It was standing room only as Eden’s controversial fuel pellet project again came before the council, after its approval was ruled invalid by the Land and Environment Court in December.

The court found the Bega Valley Shire Council failed to consider public submissions, principles of ecologically sustainable development and the zoning of the land when granting approval for the plant, operated by South East Fibre Exports (SEFE).

At the time, the ruling was welcomed by environmental groups, several of which were represented at Tuesday’s council meeting where the DA – with a number of added conditions - was to be considered again.

Lisa Stone, of the South East Forest Rescue group (SEFR), implored councillors to “delay the decision to carefully consider the ramifications” of the pellet mill, while Chris Kowal asked “are we serving our natural resource base and our communities to their best advantage?”

Bronte Somerset, of the South East Regional Conservation Alliance, was roundly cheered when she stated “any endeavour that goes against principles of ESD (Ecologically Sustainable Development) should not be approved”, while local activist Harriet Swift highlighted the lack of available information about the pilot plant’s noise levels and emissions.

“We still have no idea what the noise levels and emissions will be,” Ms Swift said.

“I know environmental impact goes way beyond those localised effects...but they are important - and we don’t have that information.”

Shouts of “shame” from the packed gallery greeted Cr David Hede’s motion to immediately debate and resolve the issue, with only councillors Keith Hughes and Liz Seckold voting against.

During the resulting debate, Cr Hughes advised a more considered approach and moved to defer any action on the mill until reports into the noise and emissions could be digested.