The State Government will put at risk the multimillion dollar horticultural and agricultural industries in East Gippsland if Resources Victoria gives approval for the Fingerboards mineral sands project at Glenaladale.
That’s the opinion of local growers and members of Mine Free Glenaladale who fear for the longevity of the industry.
Gippsland Critical Minerals has been given 12 months to rescope the project originally designed by Kalbar Resources.
The previous Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, rejected the Kalbar project in 2021 saying it “would pose a significant risk to the environment and valuable horticultural industry”.
Possible contamination by dust is a major concern for local growers who say it has to be addressed due to the effect it would have on industries in the Lindenow Valley and surrounds.
“We cannot afford to have any contamination in our products whatsoever, as we will lose our Quality Assurance Certification,” one grower
said.
“This would lead to a rejection of product from the supermarkets and processors. I don’t believe the 1.5 kilometre buffer which Gippsland Critical Minerals is planning will stop the dust. Strong winds will carry the dust down the valley.”
Feed for dairy herds is also grown in the Lindenow Valley, supplying dairy farms locally and other regions across Victoria. Contamination of the feed will impact the milk quality which could then be rejected by processors, according to the growers.
Beef and sheep producers in the area are also worried about contamination of their production systems as it will be detrimental to their businesses, saying contaminated water and dust-affected pastures are a real concern.
“Air born dust is only one form of possible contamination facing producers the other is water quality,” a Mine Free Glenaladale spokesperson said.
“The Lindenow Valley is known for the availability of clean water. Deep sand reserves in the Glenaladale area act as natural filters for the Mitchell River and the aquifers. Disturbance by mining will disrupt this natural filtration system.
“Water runoff from the mine site could put at risk water quality in the river, farm water storages and dams which are used for irrigation and stock use.
“Contamination of water can result from mine waste water leaking out of storage dams and discharge of waste water from the mining operations. Heavy rainfall resulting from east coast low weather events could cause waste water dams to overflow.”
Landholders in the Lindenow Valley are fearful that any mitigation measures proposed by Gippsland Critical Minerals will not prevent contamination of crops and livestock due to the inappropriate location of the proposed mine.
They urge the government and Resources Victoria to reject the mine to protect their industries and the economic stability of the area.
Gippsland Critical Minerals chief executive officer Michelle Wood recently said the company appreciates the interest the government is taking in project and the opportunity it has provided to address important issues raised about the Kalbar project.
“Every conversation we have is helping shape a better project and I want to thank the time many people have given to share their views and be a constructive voice. We look forward to more conversations, including through our Community Reference Group,” she said.
