A Queensland based mining company – primarily known for gas exploration – has lodged an application to explore areas in Central Victoria, including Creswick.
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Drequilin Pty Ltd has launched an application, published in this newspaper on August 24, to explore an area consisting 349 square metres, ranging from near Ballarat to Clunes.
A company spokesman said the proposed four year program would not have a detrimental impact on the environment.
“We will be good citizens,” he said.
The spokesman said the exploration area had been an old gold mining area with a history of interesting geology. “It may contain gold but we can’t be sure. We are not digging for oil or gas,” he said.
The proposed works include a reconnaissance mineral exploration including historical research, mapping, sampling of rocks and water, geochemistry and geophysical survey.
The spokesman said drilling, which would have to be approved by the relevant department, would only occur if anything was found after this process.
Creswick community member Chantel Leaver, who spoke to the The Courier on behalf of a number of concerned residents expressed concern that any mining in the area would impact the region’s natural beauty and tourism.
“The region although historically being one of the richest gold mining areas in the country is now a region occupied by farming, wineries, tourism and small residential communities,” Ms Leaver said.
“It is known for, and attracts tourists due to the historical significance of its architecture, food and wine production, natural beauty, clean drinkable Spring waters and fresh air.
“Any proposed re-ignition of mining in the region, will likely diminish the attractiveness of the region create environmental impacts both visual, and ecological.”
Ms Leaver said many residents are opposed to this licence even in its exploration infancy stage.
She said objections would be submitted and a group established to stop this process.
The residents are opposed to this licence even in its exploration infancy stage.
- Chantel Leaver