Live blog: Vickery coal mine extension meeting before independent panel

Around 50 speakers will present arguments both for and against the project to the independent panel assessing the project, the Independent Planning Commission (IPC).

Yesterday, 47 speakers spoke to the panel at a community meeting in Boggabri. 

Farmers have raised concerns over the proximity of the mine to the Namoi River, the potential for air, noise and water pollution, and the path of a rail line across a flood plain.

The first hearing, schedule for December, was cancelled the day before it was due to be held in Gunnedah, due to a sudden surge in speaker registrations, which saw the number rocket to 83.

The IPC said it would take 14 hours to get through everyone, and decided to delay the meeting until the new year. The second Boggabri meeting was later added.