THE Deloitte Access Economics analysis that was included in a 113 page Singleton Council report yesterday, and formed the basis of today’s page three Argus article, makes interesting reading.
It canvasses a broad range of coal related matters that largely flow from the way development costs and benefits are measured.
It raises some major concerns.
It makes sence that public health, social, environmental and cumulative impacts are considered.
But haven’t decision makers for years said they have taken these things into account?
They’ve said mine after mine have been subjected to “independent” scrutiny before “stringent” approval conditions have been imposed.
Undoubtedly that’s so, although the Deloitte analysis questions how dollar figures could be placed on less financially tangible things of community importance.
The analysis concludes by suggesting common cost assessments need revision.