WHITSUNDAY residents are concerned about the possible reopening of an old gold mine, at Dittmer, and the effect it will have on the region’s water supply.
The application by Ballymore Resources Pty Ltd to reopen the mine is currently before the Land Court, awaiting their recommendation to the Minister.
However, in the meantime, deep drilling is proposed to commence at the site, which is within both the Proserpine and Great Barrier Reef Water Catchment areas.
Residents are so worried that it will affect the region’s water supply, a petition has been lodged with the Queensland Parliament, which closes on June 1, 2025.
The petition, which was lodged by Jeudi Croker, from Proserpine, and has the backing of Sponsoring Member Michael Berkman MP, already has 900 signatures.
Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) is also very worried and attended Proserpine Magistrates Court, on Tuesday, May 6, when the Land Court barristers visited the region.
Unfortunately, due to ‘technical difficulties’ in the court room, nothing was heard on that day and the barristers and judge only carried out a site inspection at the proposed mine.
However, the judge was aware that about 30 WCC members and supporters were in the public gallery of the court, on May 6.
The mining objections hearing was moved to Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Brisbane.
WCC spokesperson Faye Chapman said the proposal to reopen the old gold mine, enlarge the mining lease area and engage in deep drilling at the site could pose a threat to the water supply for Whitsunday.
“This is a threat to everyone’s water supply, not just people living in and around Dittmer,” Ms Chapman said.
“It’s our water supply they are playing with and they haven’t done any up-to-date studies – they are relying on old information.”
Whitsunday Conservation Council’s greatest concern is that Ballymore Resources is asking that the 2010 Environmental Authority (EA) – which lacks groundwater monitoring, baseline water studies, hydrogeological investigations, crucial environmental assessments (EIA, EIS, SIA, and EPBC referral for MNES) and only includes an $18K surety bond – should be sufficient for this current application to be approved.
“Whitsunday Conservation Council considers that it is imperative for independent hydrogeological studies and comprehensive EIS, SIA, and public health assessments be conducted before further drilling proceeds, to protect our community and endangered species, including the Proserpine Rock Wallaby, which is regularly seen in Dittmer and the surrounding forest,” Ms Chapman said.
“The results of this petition could help protect our environment for decades to come.”
The petition is open to all citizens of Queensland, so concerned non-residents of the Whitsundays can also sign it.
Link to sign petition, which closes on June 1, 2025:
REQUESTING A HALT ON DRILLING IN DITTMER AND KELSEY CREEK
