ONE of the independent commissioners considering the proposed Vickery coal mine has resigned due to a conflict of interest with a charity he’s involved with.
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Peter Duncan stood down from the three-member Independent Planning Commission (IPC) panel appointed to review the Whitehaven Coal proposal, when he found out the mining company was a major sponsor of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Mr Duncan is on the charity’s board of directors.
“I have been advised today that the applicant for the Vickery extension project, Whitehaven Coal, are one of a number of sponsors of the Tamworth regional service,” Mr Duncan wrote in his resignation letter.
“As Whitehaven was not a service-wide sponsor or a Lismore-region sponsor, I was not previously aware of this fact.
“Under the circumstances, I consider it would not be appropriate for me to continue to participate in the Vickery Extension project assessment.”
Mr Duncan clarified his position with the charity was voluntary and he had no direct involvement with sponsorship or fundraising in the Tamworth region.
“However, I wish to avoid any real or perceived conflicts that may occur,” he said.
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IPC said it will still begin its multi-stage public hearing in Gunnedah as planned on Tuesday, December 18, with Professor Chris Fell appointed to replace Mr Duncan on the panel.
Narrabri Shire mayor Cathy Redding applauded Mr Duncan’s decision to err on the side of caution.
“Our community must have absolute confidence in the independence and impartiality of panel members who will decide whether Vickery proceeds,” Cr Redding said.
“Perceived conflicts can undermine the important role that the panel plays in the planning process.”
“Council has requested a public hearing be held in Boggabri. We also have concerns that calling for a public hearing a week prior to Christmas and closing submissions in early January is an unrealistic timeframe.”