Cotton Australia advocates for industry at NSW Independent Planning Commission
Cotton Australia gave evidence to the NSW Independent Planning Commission earlier this month concerning Whitehaven Coal’s proposal to extend its Vickery Mine at Boggabri.
The town hall-style hearing was held online over two days and was the second hearing convened by the Commission, the previous occurred in February 2019.
Whitehaven is seeking to modify its already approved coking coal mine, increasing the rate of extraction and adding a coal washing and handling facility, plus rail spur connection to the Werris Creek rail line.
In Cotton Australia’s view, the extension is significant development creep, and the proximity to prime agricultural lands and high-quality water resources (the Namoi River) is concerning.
The Commission is required to make its decision about the project within 12 weeks.
