After the NSW government has assessed a major project it calls for written submissions. If they receive 50 or more the project goes to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) unless the project is deemed State Significant Infrastructure. If it goes to the IPC for determination, more submissions are called for and a public hearing may be held. Sydney Nannas were reluctant to speak at hearings initially but we did it and now we’re scared no more.
Environmental organisations often produce submission guides to help you, but don’t simply copy them as government agencies count submissions with similar wording as one submission.
We encourage you to write individual submissions in your own words on what you know and are most passionate about. A submission doesn’t have to be long – one sentence counts as a submission unless otherwise stated.
However, a well researched submission with references will give you a better understanding of the issue and can be referred to when writing to editors and MPs. It will also help you remember important points when talking to family and friends.
You can also write a submission for a group or a friend – the more the better but not the same. Talk to them about their concerns, jot down some notes, then write a draft using the 3 steps. Send it to them to edit and ensure they have information on the easiest way to lodge it.
Hints on how to write a submission
Image: May 2017 – Sydney Knitting Nannas and Friends deliver submissions against Santos Narrabri Gas Project to the Planning Department
Sydney Knitting Nannas and Friends 