MidCoast Council administrator John Turner has resigned as the independent chairman of the Maules Creek Coal community consultative committee (CCC).
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Mr Turner tendered his resignation to the secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment over the weekend.
A leaked copy of his email to members of the committee was posted on the Give Me Back My Council Facebook page on Sunday.
“I’m very disappointed with the person who I suspect did this,” Mr Turner said about the leak.
The Maules Creek coal mine is a project of Whitehaven Coal.
Mr Turner said every significant mining operation in the State must have a community consultative committee. An independent chairperson from outside the area is appointed by the Department of Planning and Environment.
He confirmed he was paid by the coal mine company for his role, as per State guidelines which indicate the independent chairperson receives a sitting fee for expenses.
No member of the committee is involved with company operational procedures or commercial operations.
His resignation was “quite simply” about not having time to dedicate to the role now he is administrator of MidCoast Council.
He said his decision to resign was not based on any perceived “conflict of interest”, which has been raised as an issue by protesters to his appointment as administrator.
“I think I’m mature enough to listen to people and take into account other people’s views,” he said.
When it comes to the Rocky Hill Coal Project proposed for the Gloucester area, he has no role in the decision making process.
“It is a designated development and it will go straight through to the Department of Planning and Environment and the relevant State and federal departments.”
“That’s not to say (MidCoast) council won’t have a view on it. There will also be submissions from the community.
“As far as the determination goes however I have absolutely nothing to do with it myself, nor does council.”