RESIDENTS seeking nomination to the Hunter Gas Project Community Consultative Committee (CCC) were surprised the receiving address was that of AGL. AGL is currently behind extensive gas exploration in the Broke Bulga district. Milbrodale resident Stuart Ewen said a number of residents had contacted him over the weekend concerned about the apparent relationship and control of the CCC by AGL. Residents were concerned AGL would have access to and be monitoring the nominations. The Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan, recently appointed Ms Margaret MacDonald-Hill as an independent chair to the CCC. In an advertisement in The Singleton Argus calling on nominations, applicants are asked to reply to Ms MacDonald-Hill but the address given is that of AGL’s head office in St Leonards. However Ms MacDonald-Hill told Mr Ewen yesterday morning that “AGL’s role in this is simply to note when any nominations are received.” “They remain unopened until they are sent to me. It is the minister who approves the applicants, not AGL or myself,” she said in an email. The aim of the CCC is to provide a forum to address community concerns and to facilitate open communication between the community and the company during the exploration phase of the Hunter Gas Project. Nominations close this Friday. Meanwhile Singleton Council has pushed for as many of the members of the CCC dissolved last year to again be appointed to the new CCC. Community members will be joined by stakeholders, Industry and Investment NSW, Mineral Resources Branch and AGL on the committee. Appointments are for a two year period.