Highlanders made their concerns loud and clear about a major project recently.
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An Independent Planning Commission (IPC) hearing for the proposed Hume Coal project ran over two days last week.
The hearing was held at Moss Vale Services Club on Tuesday, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28.
More than 70 speakers spoke about the project, including those who supported and opposed to what had been proposed.
Battle for Berrima's Michael Verberkt said objectors to the project communicated their concerns well to the IPC panel.
"I think with the evidence we’ve presented through personal experience, they should understand it should absolutely be rejected," Mr Verberkt said.
"People have broken down in tears in front of the commissioners.
"Some of the people who’ve been affected, they've been unable to get on with their plans.
"The human element in all of this has been somewhat lost in the debate."
Numerous concerns were raised including the effects on the aquifer, the proposed use of the pine feather mining method and other environmental impacts.
Hume Coal project director Greig Duncan spoke about the project during the two-day hearing.
"I covered the potential benefits from the project in terms of economic development and jobs," Mr Duncan said.
"We have more than 600 people with expressions of interest for jobs and businesses that want to support.
"I identified key issues with the project mine design and we talked about the potential environmental impacts from that design.
"I thought the whole IPC process was very good and both sides got a chance to put their case forward."
In addition to the Hume Coal project, the Berrima Railway project was also covered during the two-day hearing.
The NSW Department of Environment and Planning will finalise their assessment and make a determination on the project in the coming months. Members of the public are able to make written submissions to the IPC until March 6.
Visit www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say to send in your feedback.
