Community Unites at Public Meeting to Protect the Meander Valley from Proposed Mining

Uncle Hank

On the evening of October 17th, 2024, the Rotary pavilion in Deloraine was filled with passionate residents, local leaders, and experts for an urgent public meeting about the proposed bauxite and rare earth mining operations in the Meander Valley.

The overwhelming community turnout reflected the deep concern for the future of the Valley, as residents came together to protect the land, livelihoods, and lifestyle that make this area so unique.

In addition to the many engaged locals, the Mayor Wayne Johnston and four Meander Valley councillors were present, showing their support for the community’s concerns.

The Mayor provided a transparent overview of where the mining application stands in the approval process, offering much-needed clarity on the next steps and the council’s role in this critical issue.The meeting began with a powerful Welcome to Country by Uncle Hank, who shared the rich history of his family at Reedy Marsh, grounding the evening in the longstanding relationship between the land and its people.

Leigh Wasserfall

This was followed by Leigh Wasserfall’s detailed overview of ABx’s mining plans, ensuring that everyone in the room had a clear understanding of what is at stake.

Shane Westley, with over a decade of experience in natural resource management, provided a stark warning about the potential strain the project could place on local infrastructure, particularly roads. He also shared compelling videos of Tasmanian devils foraging within the proposed mine site, emphasizing the threat that mining poses to local wildlife, including endangered species. His presentation was a vivid reminder of the irreplaceable ecological value of the area.

Shane Westley

One of the highlights of the evening was Sarah Lloyd OAM’s presentation, which focused on the delicate balance between development and conservation. Drawing attention to the region’s birdlife, particularly robins, Sarah explained how these birds serve as an indicator of the health of local ecosystems. She emphasized that mining operations could devastate their habitats, leading to a decline in populations already vulnerable to habitat loss. Her insights provided a clear call to action to protect the Valley’s biodiversity, which is already under threat from climate change.

Sarah Lloyd

Local artist Keith Lane added an inspiring cultural perspective, reflecting on how the beauty of the Valley influences the creative spirit of the community. He highlighted how the proposed mining could irreparably damage the environment that serves as a source of artistic inspiration for so many.

Keith Lane

Androo Kelly

Wildlife expert Androo Kelly further reinforced the environmental message, offering his insights into the region’s fauna and the potential devastation mining could bring to local wildlife.

Linda Wasserfall

Tourism was another focal point of the evening, with local business owner Linda Wasserfall outlining the potential impact on the region’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on the Valley’s natural beauty and pristine environment. She made it clear that mining could jeopardize one of the Valley’s most significant economic drivers.

The evening wasn’t just about facts and figures. Music by Lisa and Bruce added warmth and unity to the gathering, reminding everyone of the rich cultural fabric that holds the community together. Their performances were a powerful testament to the spirit of collaboration and hope that ran through the entire event.

The meeting concluded with an open forum, where residents asked questions and expressed their concerns directly to the panel. The deep passion in the room was palpable, with the community standing together to protect their land, environment, and future.

The success of the meeting, both in terms of turnout and engagement, marked the beginning of a united, stronger community campaign to ensure that the voices of the people who live in the Meander Valley are heard loud and clear.

This is not just about opposing mining—it's about safeguarding the natural beauty, livelihoods, and way of life that define this valley, particularly in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.

For those who couldn’t attend, the community encourages continued involvement through petitions and social media channels, ensuring that the momentum from this meeting continues to grow.

The strength and unity demonstrated by the Meander Valley community prove that, together, they can protect their homes, environment and lifestles for generations to come.

Images: Robyn Adams

Reedy Marsh Resident's Voices

For those of us who have chosen to live in the peaceful, healthy environment of Reedy Marsh, the proposed bauxite mine threatens everything we value. Our family has invested in 6.5 hectares of land on the Meander River, dedicating 75% of it to wildlife conservation. We chose this area for its tranquillity, natural beauty, and supportive community. If Meander Valley Council approves the proposed bauxite mine, all of this will be at risk—our investment, our health, and our way of living, our life dreams.

Our Water

Those of us in Reedy Marsh rely entirely on rainwater for drinking and growing our vegetables, the risks are alarming. If this mine goes ahead, our water tanks will be filled with rainwater contaminated by bauxite dust. Our vegetables will be polluted, making them dangerous to eat—for both us and the wildlife that shares our gardens. The health implications are shocking and unacceptable. Bauxite mining doesn’t just harm wildlife—it endangers human health as well. Dust from bauxite mines is known to contain radioactive elements like radium and thorium, which are harmful to both the environment and people. Long-term exposure to these elements can cause cancer and other serious health issues. If high-aluminum concentration of heavy metals in sediments are deposited in the water, it will further dissolve and deposit into fish and benthic creatures.

Our Wildlife

The endangered Wedge-tailed Eagles, with fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild, are among the species that stand to lose the most. These magnificent birds are extremely sensitive to disturbances from machinery, habitat destruction, and pollution. The environmental consultants themselves acknowledged in their report that a more thorough survey of the area is needed to understand the full impact on these eagles. Yet, despite the lack of proper study, the project continues to move forward. Other endangered species, such as the Tasmanian Devil and the Spotted Quoll, roam freely across the countryside, and their habitat is also at risk. While we have protected a large portion of our property for these animals, their survival depends on the surrounding environment remaining intact. We cannot allow this bauxite mine to destroy the homes of these creatures. The wildlife in Reedy Marsh is part of what makes this place special—not only to us but to future generations. The irreversible damage to their habitat from machinery, land clearing, and toxic dust would be a tragedy for Tasmania’s biodiversity.

Our River

The Meander River, which borders our property, is another victim of this proposed mine. Toxic chemicals from bauxite mining will leach into the river, damaging the ecosystem and potentially wiping out fish populations. The harmful effects of bauxite dust on marine life are well-documented in places like Malaysia, where entire ecosystems have been devastated. If this mine goes ahead, we risk creating a "dead zone" in our own backyard, where fish, birds, and other wildlife can no longer survive.

Our Call for Action

This mine is not just a development—it’s a direct threat to everything we cherish in Reedy Marsh. Our peaceful lifestyle, our wildlife, our health, and our community are all at stake. We moved here to escape exactly these kinds of industrial risks, and it is inconceivable that Meander Valley Council would approve such a project given the dangers it poses. We strongly urge the Council to reject this proposal and, at the very least, to commission an independent and thorough wildlife survey before any decisions are made. Additionally, if the mine is approved, we recommend extending Deloraine’s town water supply to Reedy Marsh to mitigate the potential health risks posed by contaminated rainwater. This is our home. It’s worth protecting

MINE WATCH - MEANDER VALLEY

Community Unites at Public Meeting to Protect the Meander Valley from Proposed Mining

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