There has been a strong response from people in the Eurobodalla to a survey to decide whether the local shire council should mount a legal challenge to plans for a charcoal manufacturing plant in the area.
The council is conducting a survey of residents to help it decide its attitude on the issue.
The survey form was sent to all ratepayers earlier this week.
However, there have been allegations of bias in the information contained in the accompanying newsletter, and criticism that ratepayers with multiple land-holdings have received multiple forms.
Now council has decided to allow any interest groups who wish to distribute information on the charcoal plant proposal to prepare newsletters that can be placed in council outlets.
But the council has placed conditions on the offer, including a proviso that the newsletters must be at no cost to council and must have the name of the person authorising it.
Residents are being asked to express their views on four options.
The options include spending up to $3 million on an independent legal challenge to the New South Wales Government’s approval of the charcoal facility, spending up to $50,000 to support a Coastwatchers challenge, joining with others in legal action, or taking no action at all.
The surveys must be returned to council by June 14.
