Emotions ran high and voices rose with them at the Donald Mineral Sands community information session held at the Memorial Hall on Thursday, with a group of frustrated farmers taking the opportunity to protest one of the many large scale projects earmarked for the region. Trucks, tractors and other agricultural machinery lined the streets, signed with phrases such as: “No Mines, No Turbines, No Transmission Lines!”
The information session had been intended as a “meet and greet” with the public, with stations spread around the hall relating to each particular aspect of mining. Each section had a specialist consultant in that field to answer any questions or concerns raised by those in attendance.
Those in attendance only had one question, however, “How do we stop this from happening?”
Fervently against the mining project, farmers entered the hall and were immediately offended by the structure of the information session, and a loud cry from protest front-man, Kelvin Hepworth rang out, “Don’t let them divide and conquer!”
Donald Mineral Sands consultants had to quickly form a panel as chairs were retrieved from back rooms to face the audience as a unit. In this familiar community meeting format, questions were then fired at the consultants, in a vague resemblance of an interrogation.
The rapid-fire questioning was clear evidence of how deeply these farmers feel about their lifestyles and livelihoods; demonstrating how difficult it has been for them to fight for their land against many projects of a similar nature around the region.
And it is not just their land they are fighting for. Many generational farmers are fighting for their history; for their family who went before them and for their children who follow. Farming is their life; their identity.
Farmers will fight
As if their daily dance with Mother Nature to try to feed a nation isn’t a fight of its own, lately it seems farmers are hit from all directions with proposals for turbines, transmission lines and mines all knocking on their doorstep, threatening their lifestyle and legacy. It is easy to understand their anger and opposition in defence of their farms and their families.
Taking this into consideration, Donald Mineral Sands consultants responded honestly, professionally, with care and thought, to every enquiry. Many concerns were raised, including dust control, rehabilitation of the land after mining, radiation concerns, biosecurity, and VCAT appeal decisions. Each specialist on the panel responded to the questions relevant to their field and those which couldn’t be answered at the time were noted for future consultation.
As far as mining goes, the proposed Donald Mineral Sands’ project does not fit the stereotypical mindset, with current and up-to-date models ahead of the 2008 legislative requirements.
The current mining methods, the rehabilitation process and the standards to which Donald Mineral Sands appear to be upholding both work in the company’s favour, as well as its transparency. At a very early stage of the meeting, it was announced that Donald Mineral Sands has bought land and wants to buy more. Unlike the turbines and VNI West line, this company is purchasing the land it wants to operate on, and with an open door policy and clear, local contact details for enquiries, it is taking a far more direct and honest approach by comparison.
In the beginning
The Donald Mineral Sands resource was acquired 20 years ago, development evaluation was commenced in 2004 and the company has been visibly known in the district ever since, despite the inactivity on the site. This is not like the turbines and the transmission lines, where infrastructure will be left for the landowner to decommission at the end of its lifespan. The lifespan of this project is the responsibility of the company and it has to provide the government with a hefty bond to guarantee it. Two decades of study has gone into ensuring this project has the very least possible impact on the land and the environment; now the community is being asked for consultation to further improve the work plan.
The community benefits are also obvious, such as the company’s commitment to assist with housing, providing around 500 new jobs and boosting the populations of the small towns surrounding. There will be improved infrastructure for water services and roads; support and investment in local suppliers, community facilities and services.
The company’s goal is to become an active, contributing member of the community, committed to maximising regional benefits through responsible operations, careful impact mitigation and thorough land rehabilitation.
Commitment
“We’re committed to proactively engaging with the community about the proposed Donald Mineral Sands project. We understand not everyone agrees with the project, and many have concerns about it. Nonetheless, we value and respect diverse perspectives, recognising they improve our understanding and decision-making process. We’ll continue to make ourselves available and to provide comprehensive information to all stakeholders,” said Tiger Brown, CEO, Astron Corporation (Donald Project Pty Ltd).
The test site at Minyip is already producing its fourth rotation of crops since starting the rehabilitation process and this site is open to inspection with data gathered available to the public. In fact, the aim is to share information, address concerns, and earn trust and confidence.
“Our aim is to work collaboratively with the community, and to address concerns transparently and in a timely manner,” said Tiger Brown.
The community is invited to stay informed about the project’s progress and to engage with Donald Mineral Sands in shaping the future of the project. A wealth of information is available in person at any of the community information sessions held in the area (advertised regularly in local news outlets and social media). The Donald Project Office is located in Minyip at 23 Church Street, and staff can be reached on the phone there on 03 5385 7088.
To learn about the project in its full detail, you can head to the website: https://astronlimited.com.au/astron-mineral-sands-projects/donald-mineral-sands-project-2/ and email communication can be directed to contact@thedonaldproject.com.au.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 15 October 2024.
