The recent announcement of a $1.3 billion critical minerals pact between Australia and the United States has ignited more local discussion about the proposed Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) mine near Bairnsdale — and prompted the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry to call for a clear-headed, community-focused approach.
Chamber president Trevor Hancock said that while opposition to the project has been widely publicised, much of the information circulating is “out of date and misleading”.
“There have been a number of publicly advertised information sessions and opportunities for locals to have their questions answered,” Mr Hancock said.
“If those sessions were poorly attended, it may suggest a lack of real interest or opposition among Bairnsdale’s 18,000 residents.”
Mr Hancock said the chamber’s position is straightforward: if the mine meets Victorian Government regulatory standards and proceeds, local businesses and workers must share in the benefits.
“The chamber will work to ensure every possible advantage comes to Bairnsdale — every ute, truck, can of paint, pint of oil and, of course, every job,” he said.
“We’ll also have no hesitation in seeking funding from Gippsland Critical Minerals to advance community projects here.”
Drawing lessons from the Bass Strait oil and gas developments of the 1970s, which he said delivered few benefits to local residents, Mr Hancock stressed that Bairnsdale “must be to the fore” this time.
“Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has said local communities will receive every possible benefit — and we intend to hold her to that,” he said.
“We could start with a new hospital.”
Mr Hancock added that East Gippsland’s resource-rich landscape would likely attract more mining projects in future and urged the community to maximise related business opportunities.
He also highlighted the Fenning Timbers rail siding project in Bairnsdale as an example of private investment with long-term regional potential.
“That siding could evolve into a major freight hub serving East Gippsland, southern NSW and the ACT — creating more employment and business growth,” he said.
As a member of the Gippsland Critical Minerals Community Reference Group, Mr Hancock said the chamber was committed to transparency and constructive dialogue, but noted that opponents of the mine had declined invitations to participate.
