The state government’s Planning Assessment Commission will conduct a hearing at Glennies Creek Hall today to hear concerns and support for the project.

The final decision will not be announced until commission members return to Sydney and deliberate on the information

Based on the points raised at the meeting, additional information may be required, said Commission Director of Panel Secretariat Paula Poon.

Three weeks ago the Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DP&I) released a report recommending approval of the project but the decision was referred to the commission because of political donations and the 48 submissions.

Residents claim the project will impact the village of Camberwell and its surrounding areas with the main issues of concern including the displacement of residents, the potential for water contamination in the Hunter river system and the destruction of Aboriginal heritage.

Some residents have questioned the value of the project, given the potential impacts. The project is a relatively small, seven year project.

Ashton made a number of changes to their original plan to satisfy some of these community concerns.

One of conditions the mine has to perform if the project is accepted is the enhancement of the Camberwell village with direction from the community and Singleton Council.

This will include the construction of a park with a play and picnic area, riparian vegetation, footpaths and cycleways and tree plantings.

The DP&I believes that projects socio-economic benefits are greater than the residual costs so it is therefore in the public interest and should be approved.

The future of Ashton Coal is in the balance because their North East open cut operations will cease at the end of the year.