Just ten days into its 20-day scheduled hearing, the Blue Mountains Council Public Inquiry has had to be suspended due to Covid-19.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Commissioner Richard Beasley SC, said after seeking advice from senior officers of the Office of Local Government, he had made the decision to adjourn proceedings.
"The recommendation given to me was that the public hearings should be adjourned for now," he said. "This advice was not unexpected, and is in line with decisions being made by all levels of government in the country."
The public hearings will recommence at a date to be confirmed, following further advice from the Office of Local Government.
He said the decision was consistent with that of the NSW Supreme Court, which is also discontinuing personal appearances from Tuesday March 24.
