Lex Hammond, Bairnsdale
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
RECENTLY we had the latest in a series of community meetings, held by Kalbar Resources in relation to its proposed heavy mineral sands mine at The Fingerboards, Glenaladale.
Kalbar has held several such “community engagement” meetings in the past four or so years, although crowd reactions have often not been positive.
The crowd was unimpressed by the latest presentation, which detailed more changes to the proposed mine site plans.
These plans raised more community concerns about the project.
These include concerns about the landscape, waterways, native habitat and wildlife, agricultural land, neighbouring residents, road changes, foreign ownership and influence, potential disturbance of significant sites, water security, the future impact of flooding, high winds, drought and global warming, dust, noise, possible effects on food and water supplies, and the security of potentially toxic materials in tailings dam sludge.
People are concerned the mine could have impacts on those downhill or downstream, which includes anyone reliant on the Perry and Mitchell rivers and Gippsland Lakes.
People also have concerns about the security of current jobs and multi-million-dollar industries in food growing, production, transport and processing.
These markets are critical to our local area, a food bowl for Victoria, the nation and international markets that consume our clean green produce.
Part of the presentation was Paul Gibson-Roy detailing a post-mining landscape.
In his vision, Kalbar’s own farm block would be successfully rehabilitated to a native grass and wildflower farm.
History shows that mines are not satisfactorily rehabilitated in Australia.
This fight has come with huge support, encouragement and strength from thousands of followers.
It is time the government at all levels steps up and support their constituents.
We cannot afford any potential risk to our existing industries and our precious environment.
