Mine Free Glenaladale (MFG) is inviting the community to an information night to address Gippsland Critical Minerals’ rescoped Fingerboards mineral sands mine proposal.
This is in response to the requests the community has made for a full community meeting to be held in Bairnsdale.
The information night is on Wednesday, October 8, 7pm at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Pyke Street, Bairnsdale.
The focus will be on the recent changes Gippsland Critical Minerals have made to the project and how these may impact the people of East Gippsland.
Speakers will explore the threats to surface and ground water, biodiversity, the environment and Cultural Heritage.
The economic viability will be looked at in detail and scrutinised and facts about the mine and Gippsland Critical Minerals test pit will also be discussed.
MFG has challenged the claims by Gippsland Critical Minerals that recent changes to the original project will mitigate the 49 impacts and threats outlined in the former Planning Minister’s report following the extensive Environment Effects Statement process and the rejection of the mine proposal in 2021.
MFG has doubts that the project changes will safeguard the health and wellbeing of the community and the environment, increase employment and bring economic prosperity to East Gippsland.
“Dust and contamination remain two of the major impacts of the proposal, with such large areas to be excavated at the one time dust will not be able to be controlled,” an MFG spokesperson said.
“Adding to the frustration is the lack of detail provided by the company at this late stage of the rescoping study, which is to be completed in early December.
“This forum will give more clarification of the processes involved and present the facts from independent and informed speakers.”
