public inquiry

In the heart of our community, a critical issue unfolds as the Dalradian Gold Planning Inquiry tries to push forward amidst a storm of complexities and concerns.  Today, I feel compelled to voice the collective anxieties and pleas for fairness that echo through our streets and homes.

A Cry for Time

First and foremost, the demand for an extension to the deadline for submitting Statements of Case is not just a request—it’s a necessity. As residents scramble to protect their water, air, and land from potential toxic pollution, the overwhelming flow of constantly updated and often conflicting documentation makes it impossible to prepare adequately. It’s crucial to acknowledge that the task at hand is not feasible under the current conditions, with missing critical documents and unclear additions clouding our understanding.

The Unity of Applications

It’s essential to emphasise that the entirety of the Dalradian Gold application and all associated applications are intricately linked. Any attempt to segregate these within the inquiry undermines the comprehensive evaluation needed for such a significant proposal.

Barriers to Public Participation

At the Pre-Inquiry Meeting, we highlighted significant barriers preventing public participation. Unfortunately, these concerns persist, as the commission’s communications seem to discourage community attendance rather than welcome it. This approach starkly contrasts with the need for inclusive public engagement in decision-making processes, particularly when the stakes are as high as they are with this inquiry.

Financial Disparities

The financial backing that Dalradian Gold enjoys from mine finance banks, along with their arsenal of experts and legal counsel, starkly contrasts with the resources available to the public. This disparity creates an uneven playing field, which is further exacerbated by requirements like producing numerous hard copies of submissions, adding yet another hurdle for community members.

The Need for Candour and Fairness

The duty of candour by public officials and the extent to which it is exercised remains a glaring issue. Reports of overlapping interests among various departments and agencies during the lead-in period to the inquiry raise questions about the integrity of the processes that are supposed to protect our community and environment.

Inclusivity Concerns

The exclusion of nursing mothers and families with young children from the inquiry sessions is not just unfortunate but also unfair. As vital stakeholders in environmental  protection, their participation is crucial, and any policy that sidelines them only serves to erode trust in the process.

Embracing Modern Solutions

Considering the challenges in accessing independent expertise and the limited budgets of community protectors, allowing experts to present evidence via video link should be more than an exception; it should be a standard practice. This adjustment would acknowledge the difficulties faced by the community and facilitate a more inclusive and thorough examination of the issues.

A Plea for Clarity and Accessibility

Finally, the current system of managing and distributing inquiry documents is needlessly complex. Simplifying access to these documents, perhaps by marking new additions clearly and providing them well in advance of meetings, would significantly aid in public preparation and participation. As we stand at this crossroad, facing a project that could reshape our environment and community, the need for fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness has never been more critical. It is with a hopeful heart that I call on the Planning Appeals Commission to consider these points earnestly and to act in the true spirit of public service and environmental stewardship.

#SaveOurSperrins  #DalradianNoMore  #ProtectOurLands  #CommunityVoice  #NoToToxicMining  #EcoWarriors  #Dontmineus  #GoldmineInquiry #CleanWaterCleanAir  #UnitedForNature