Moorabool Environment Group members will speak at the inquiry into Greenfields Mineral Exploration and Project Development in Victoria.

The inquiry, which must present its report by February next year, is considering the economic, social and environmental costs as well as the benefits of greenfields mineral exploration.

It will also look at ways to improve the management of potential conflicts between exploration and other land uses.

Moorabool Environment Group secretary Deb Porter, who is one of the speakers, said she was looking forward to representing the community and its concerns.

“It is a very positive opportunity for us to talk about how the legislation and the process of mining affects the community,” Ms Porter said.

The group will address issues relating to the process of community consultation, the current advertising policy and food and water security.

“(The mining companies are required) to insert one advertisement in two local papers for a week and one in a metropolitan paper for a day,” she said.

“Prior to the application being approved, no letters are sent, not even to those on whose land the exploration might be on.”

Bacchus Marsh, she said, was a food bowl for Melbourne and Ballarat.

“The area under the exploration licence contains sustainable, economic farms and we risk losing them,” Ms Porter said.

The group has been actively campaigning against the West Australian company Mantle Mining’s bid to explore for brown coal in and around Bacchus Marsh.

Ms Porter said she had to hire people to work on her farm while she campaigned against the mining.

“I have had to pay about $4000 for the workers,” Ms Porter said.

“But I am doing it because the mining affects my livelihood.”

The inquiry has received 57 submissions from stakeholders including Prospectors and Miners Association Victoria, Environment Victoria and the Municipal Association of Victoria.