How to take part at a Preliminary Meeting

Summary

This video explains the purpose and process of a preliminary meeting for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). It outlines the roles of interested parties, the examining authority, and the format of the meeting. The meeting is procedural, aiming to discuss the examination timetable and key issues, rather than the merits of the project. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance and may speak if permitted. The video also highlights the availability of meeting documentation, social media guidelines, and the subsequent examination stage, with further resources available on the website or from customer service.

Takeaways

• 😀 A preliminary meeting is held at the start of the examination of a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP).
• 😀 To take part in a preliminary meeting, you must be registered as an interested party, such as someone with an interest in the land or a statutory organization.
• 😀 The purpose of the preliminary meeting is to discuss the procedural aspects of the examination, including setting a timetable for the examination process.
• 😀 Interested parties will receive an invitation letter at least three weeks before the meeting, which will include the agenda and a draft timetable.
• 😀 The examining authority, composed of one or more inspectors, is in charge of the preliminary meeting and ensures it runs smoothly.
• 😀 The preliminary meeting is not a hearing where the merits of the project are debated; rather, it focuses on procedural issues and setting the examination timetable.
• 😀 The meeting will be held in a venue near the project location to accommodate local attendees.
• 😀 Attendees must confirm their attendance as soon as possible, and priority will be given to interested parties in terms of available space.
• 😀 Only interested parties are guaranteed to speak at the meeting, but non-interested parties may be allowed to speak at the discretion of the examining authority.
• 😀 The meeting will be recorded, and both written notes and audio recordings will be made available on the website after the meeting.
• 😀 After the meeting, the examination timetable will be sent to interested parties and published on the website, marking the start of the examination stage.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a preliminary meeting in the context of a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP)?

The preliminary meeting is held to consider how an NSIP application will be examined and to set a suitable timetable for the examination process.

Who can attend a preliminary meeting?

Interested parties, such as those with an interest in the affected land or statutory organizations, are invited to attend the preliminary meeting. It is also open to the general public, though priority is given to interested parties.

How are interested parties notified about the preliminary meeting?

Interested parties will receive an invitation letter at least three weeks before the meeting, which includes the meeting's agenda and a draft timetable.

What role do the inspectors play in the preliminary meeting?

The inspectors or a panel of up to five inspectors, known as the examining authority, lead the preliminary meeting to ensure it runs smoothly and provides a fair opportunity for all to participate.

What type of issues will be discussed at the preliminary meeting?

The meeting focuses on procedural matters, such as the examination timetable and key issues to be considered, but does not address the merits of the project itself.

How are the meeting venues selected?

The meetings are held at suitable venues that are as close as possible to the local area of the project to accommodate attendees.

Can non-interested parties speak during the preliminary meeting?

Non-interested parties are not automatically entitled to speak, but the examining authority may allow them to do so if appropriate.

What is the format of the preliminary meeting?

Preliminary meetings are typically held in a theatre-style format, where participants speak into microphones, and documents like site plans are available for review.

Can attendees record or use social media during the meeting?

Attendees may record or use social media, but it must be done responsibly and without causing distractions. The examining authority may ask attendees to refrain if it becomes disruptive.

What happens after the preliminary meeting?

Following the preliminary meeting, the examination timetable is sent to interested parties and published on the website. The close of the preliminary meeting marks the beginning of the examination stage.