WOMBAT Forestcare has warned residents opposed to a planned Shepherd’s Flat mine that the objection deadline is tomorrow.
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WFC member David Stephens said the Sandy Mining application was only advertised on January 8 and left residents with little information.
“If you don’t want a 53.8 hectare mine in Wombat Forest’s primary resource water catchments, your only choice is to make a legal objection,” Mr Stephens said.
“State the reason for your objection and ask to have the licence denied.
“If this is the first time you’ve heard about this, you’ll need to act immediately.” Mr Stephens said residents’ concerns included endangered flora and fauna, potential water contamination, stream and waterway reduction, increased fire risk from heavy industrial machinery and lack of community consultation.
In its application, Bendigo-based Sandy Mining said its proposed work program was underground gold mining, along with drilling, geological surveys and bulk sampling.
It also said: “Prior to commencement of work, the applicants will liaise with all appropriate local and state government authorities to obtain an approved Workplan which will include the systems for full environmental monitoring, maintenance and restoration.”
It also said community consultation would take place regularly via activity updates in local newspapers.
Wombat Forestcare is a community group aimed at protecting the Wombat State Forest.
Any objectors to the mine proposal must contact the Earth Resources Tenements manager, Department of State Development, Business and Innovation on 9658 4456.