Independent Planning Commission public hearings proceed smoothly

The decision to hold the Independent Planning Commission public hearing into the Narrabri Gas Project electronically was controversial.

The IPC made the decision to proceed with electronic hearings because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant dangers when people assemble in large numbers.

However, the IPC reports that the first ever electronic hearings have proceeded smoothly.

IPC staff set up a small studio in the Riverside Room at The Crossing Theatre on Monday afternoon in readiness for the videoed submissions to get underway on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It was an efficient operation.

Registered speakers were greeted by IPC staff Kym Statham and Helen Mulcahy and issued with their name badges before proceeding to the studio.

A small contingent of security personnel was discreetly present but the atmosphere was one of very serious intent and purpose with no hint of irresponsible behaviour.

The spread of presenters was wide, many views were expressed and the commissioners will soon retire to make their determination, scheduled to be delivered by September 4.