Narrabri gas project: former judge questions independence of NSW planning commission

Paul Stein QC is deeply concerned' the IPC has been diminished by recent changes introduced by the government

A former New South Wales judge has called for independent" to be dropped from the name of the state's planning commission after it approved the controversial Narrabri coal seam gas development, arguing the body is effectively controlled by the government.

The commission on Wednesday gave what it described as phased approval" of the $3.6bn project in the state's north. The decision, which included 134 conditions, was welcomed by the proponent, oil and gas company Santos, and the federal and state governments, but criticised by local farmers, conservationists and Indigenous traditional owners.