To write an effective submission keep the following points in mind to make sure that your submission is as valuable as possible:
- familiarise yourself with the application and supporting information
- stick to the current application - don't get distracted by personal issues or past disputes
- focus on the environmental effects
- be specific about your concerns and how you want them addressed
- tell the board or Court what you want
- write in clear and simple, everyday language
- include all of the points you want to make.
Make sure that you fill out the form provided and include your full contact details. On this form you should also note which parts of the application your submission relates to, in particular if you support or oppose specific parts of the application.
Take time to clearly state why you are making a submission and any specific information you want the board or Court to consider. It can help if you clearly state the decision you want the board or Court to make, including any conditions you may want the board or Court to impose.
You can find information about possible environmental effects in the assessment of environmental effects report, which is included with every matter. Point out any environmental effects you feel the application doesn't adequately identify.
Your local knowledge might add to the board or Court's
understanding of the effects that a proposal might have.
Lodging your submission
You must send your
submission to us before the closing date, which is written on the
submission form and in the public notification. The closing date is 20
working days after the notification of a proposal.
Try to get your submission to us well before
the closing date. If you send your submission by post close to the
closing date, check to make sure that it has arrived in time.
What happens to your submission?
After the closing date, we send all submissions to the
board of inquiry or Environment Court. The board or Court will consider
the submissions in making its decision.
Make sure you state in your submission whether you want to speak at the hearing. You don't have to, and while speaking at a hearing can help highlight what you said in your submission, your submission is just as valid if you don't speak. If you do speak at a hearing, you will only be able to talk about issues you have included in your written submission.
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