The soils of the Mitchell River Valley in East Gippsland is where world-class food is grown, supplying vegetables to fresh markets, fast food outlets, cafes, restaurants, cruise ships and various businesses along the value-added product chain throughout Australia and overseas.
However, an industry that is valued at $150M (annually) and employs up to 2000 people is at risk from a proposed mineral sands mine, according to Minefree Glenaladale members.
John Hine, a member of the mine-free group and one of the impacted horticultural business owners, said the proposed mine was only 500 metres from his vegetable crops.
“It’s on top of a plateau on the other side of the Mitchell River,” Mr Hine said.
“The prospect of this mine is deeply concerning to us and we are speaking out now against it.
“There is a very real risk of destroying the clean green image of our produce, both real and perceived.
“The risks of contamination to our veggies and soil from toxic dust plus having to compete for water as the mine will need billions of litres annually, will potentially devastate our businesses and have health impacts on consumers of our produce and on workers in our fields.
“We could create three times as many jobs than the mine if that water was redirected to growing vegetables instead. These are long-term sustainable jobs.
“If the government is serious about the continued viability of our industry it must stop this mine from proceeding.”
Mining proponent, Kalbar, will soon submit the long-awaited Environment Effects Statement (EES) to the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) and the Minister for Planning for consideration to exhibit.
Once that has occurred Kalbar will exhibit the EES and the Minister will invite public comment.
Last Thursday, Kalbar hosted an information evening at Bairnsdale Sporting and Convention centre with a large number of Mine-free Glenaladale attending and voicing their concerns.
PICTURED: An aerial view of the proposed Glenaladale mineral sands mine site from a nearby property looking towards the Fingerboards intersection.