People Power on Full Display at April Meander Valley Council Meeting

Wednesday 9th April 2025

The April Meander Valley Council Meeting was nothing short of extraordinary.

https://www.youtube.com/live/Cvf1pAsG63Y?si=9w25XpFBKv2o_P4z

A huge thank you to everyone who turned up, spoke up, and stood up for our community. The chamber was packed with passionate locals, all united in opposition to the proposed bauxite mine—and the energy in the room was electric.

Members of Mine Watch and supporters from across the Valley came prepared. With thoughtful, well-researched questions, they challenged the Council on critical issues: traffic safety, environmental protection, the wellbeing of threatened species, and the credibility of ABx as a responsible operator. These weren’t just questions—they were calls for accountability, for transparency, and for the protection of a place we all hold dear.

Particularly powerful were the concerns raised around the long-term risks to our health, our water, and our air. Residents spoke with conviction about the potential for dust and heavy metals to impact respiratory wellbeing, the contamination risks to waterways that feed into agricultural land and homes, and the irreversible damage that mining activity could cause to our clean, natural environment. These are not abstract concerns—they are real, personal, and urgent.

What made the afternoon so powerful was that it wasn’t just about saying “no.” It was about saying “we care.” This meeting became a turning point for community empowerment. Residents showed they are informed, organised, and determined to be part of the decision-making process that shapes our Valley's future.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Council for allowing extended time so that every voice could be heard. That gesture did not go unnoticed—and many attendees left with renewed faith in the democratic process. As one community member put it:

“This was my first time getting involved in a community issue. What I saw tonight gave me heart. It showed me that people power works—and that when we come together, our voices do make a difference.”

There was a beautiful balance of professionalism and humanity in the room. Respect was met with respect. Passion was met with purpose. Together, we showed what’s possible when a community refuses to be sidelined.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Stay informed. Stay involved. And above all—stay loud.
We are the Meander Valley. And we’re standing strong for our land, our wildlife, our farms, our health—and our future.

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

People Power on Full Display at April Meander Valley Council Meeting

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