Justification for Rejecting the Reedy Marsh Bauxite Mine Proposa

Wednesday 19th March 2025

To: Meander Valley Councillors

The Meander Valley councillors have a duty to prioritise long-term sustainability, economic stability, and the well-being of residents. After thorough analysis of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) assessment, expert evaluations, and community concerns, the proposed ABx4 Pty Ltd bauxite mine at Reedy Marsh should be rejected. The following key justifications outline the risks and inconsistencies associated with this proposal. 

1. Environmental Risks and Insufficient Mitigation Measures

Threat to Native Flora and Fauna

• The site contains threatened vegetation communities and habitats critical to biodiversity.
• Community submissions indicate a lack of confidence in the proposed mitigation strategies.
• Independent ecological peer-review assessments should be commissioned; however, given the high conservation value of the area, precautionary principles dictate avoiding high-impact industrial activity altogether. 

Impact on the Brushy Rivulet Conservation Area

• The mine’s proximity raises concerns over dust and water runoff affecting a designated conservation zone.
• The proposed dust and stormwater management plans lack independent verification and real-world impact assessments, making them unreliable. 

Soil Degradation and Water Contamination

• Increased dust, sedimentation, and potential chemical runoff pose risks to soil health and water quality.
• Rehabilitation requirements are inadequate, with no guarantee of post-mining land restoration. 

2. Conflicts with Land Use and Strategic Planning

Loss of Prime Agricultural Land

• The affected land is designated for rural and agricultural use and plays a crucial role in the region’s food security and economic resilience.
• Extractive industries do not align with the Meander Valley Council’s strategic vision for sustainable land use and agricultural resilience.

 

Negative Impact on Tourism and Local Economy

• Reedy Marsh and its surroundings are valued for eco-tourism, small businesses, and lifestyle-based industries that rely on a pristine environment.
• The mine’s industrial footprint and increased heavy vehicle traffic will negatively affect local businesses, accommodation providers, and tourism operators.

3. Infrastructure and Community Burden

 Road Safety and Traffic Concerns

• Increased heavy vehicle traffic on Porters Bridge Road poses safety risks for residents, school transport, and local commuters.
• No clear plan has been presented to address road degradation or ongoing maintenance costs, which would likely fall on ratepayers.

Noise and Air Pollution

• The mine’s operational noise and dust emissions will significantly degrade residential amenity and quality of life in Reedy Marsh.
• The proposed mitigation measures fail to account for the cumulative effects of prolonged exposure over 20–30 years.

4. Lack of Social Licence and Community Consent

Failure to Engage in Meaningful Community Consultation

• Many residents and stakeholders feel the consultation process was inadequate, with limited time for representations.
• Public trust in ABx4 Pty Ltd is low, and social licence is critical for projects of this scale.

Property Devaluation and Declining Liveability

• Residents have expressed concern over property devaluation, which is a legitimate economic consequence of industrial mining activities in rural residential areas.
• Council has a responsibility to protect property owners from undue financial harm resulting from incompatible land use changes.

5. Climate Change and Long-Term Sustainability

Inconsistency with Climate Resilience Strategies

• The project does not align with local or state climate action policies, particularly in relation to carbon emissions and water resource management.
• Climate-related risks such as increased rainfall and extreme weather events have not been adequately assessed in relation to mine site stability and erosion control.

6. Analysis of EPA Assessment and Additional Considerations

Public Health & Air Quality

• The EPA has identified air quality concerns, particularly regarding dust emissions, as a significant issue requiring mitigation.
• Council should demand:
• Independent review of dust management plans.
• Implementation of dust mitigation measures such as vegetative screening and water spraying.
• Real-time public air quality monitoring.
• Comprehensive health impact assessments for nearby residents.

Water Quality & Runoff Risks

• Mining activities pose a risk to local waterways through sediment runoff and potential contamination.
• Council should require:
• A stormwater management plan with detailed discharge locations and contingencies for sediment control.
• Independent testing for Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD) risks.
• Baseline water testing and regular third-party compliance monitoring.

Road Safety & Maintenance Costs

• Heavy vehicle movements will impact local road networks, posing both safety hazards and increased infrastructure costs.
• Council should:
• Commission a Traffic Impact Assessment.
• Implement a road maintenance levy to ensure mining companies contribute to road upkeep.
• Introduce a traffic management plan with designated truck routes and speed limits.

Amenity, Liveability & Community Consultation

• Council has a duty to protect the quality of life for residents through:
• Social and economic impact studies.
• Ensuring planning scheme compliance.

Tourism & Local Economy Impacts

• The Meander Valley region relies heavily on tourism and local agribusiness.
• Council should:
• Commission economic impact assessments evaluating job creation vs. potential losses in tourism revenue.
• Protect key tourism from mining disruptions.
• Assess long-term viability, particularly rehabilitation and land restoration post-mining.

Conclusion

Council must act responsibly by upholding strategic planning principles, prioritising community interests, and ensuring that future developments align with the region’s long-term vision. The risks to environmental integrity, community well-being, road safety, and economic sustainability far outweigh any short-term private financial gains.

 

For these reasons, councillors should strongly advocate for the rejection of the ABx4 Pty Ltd bauxite mine proposal at Reedy Marsh.