The response came after a resident raised concerns that second-hand complaints would not be given as much credence as those that come in first hand.

A spokesperson for the Department of Planning said the nature of investigating such complaints meant that it was very important to receive as much accurate and first-hand information as possible to ensure that resources were appropriately allocated and that complaints could be thoroughly investigated.

“As a result, and due to the fact that the officers are happy to receive and progress the complaint in strict confidence, when receiving a second-hand claim they will, as a matter of course, always request the ability to speak with the first-hand source,” the spokesperson said.

“If this is, for some reason, not possible the officers would still consider progressing the complaint depending on the amount and nature of the evidence provided by the second-hand source.”

The compliance officers will also be looking to take a strategic approach to their work including the identification of broader ongoing compliance issues, and taking these up with mining operators.

Meanwhile a public meeting will be held on November 11 to bring residents up-to date with progress on investigations about the link between air quality and human health.

Representatives from the Department of Health, the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and the Department of Planning have been invited to attend.

The meeting will be held at Club Singleton in William Street, on Thursday, November 11, at 7pm.