I am advised that:

(1) and (2) Some of the technical information in Orica's project application was provided to the Department in-confidence, for security reasons. This information was considered by the Department in its assessment of the application.

(3) All potentially hazardous facilities are subject to a rigorous risk assessment. Project applications for such facilities are not approved unless the risk assessment demonstrates that the facility does not pose significant risks to the surrounding area. In this regard, the NSW Government has had risk criteria for land use safety planning for more than 20 years, which are recognised nationally and internationally. The risks from the Orica facility meet these criteria.