IT WAS a lively public meeting at Dittmer, on Friday (May 30) as residents went head-to-head with representatives of Ballymore Resources, the proponents of the Dittmer goldmine.
Amanda Camm MP hosted the Community Information Update and Engagement Session, sending out a letter to residents several days prior, saying it was ‘an opportunity to hear updates on local issues in the area and raise any concerns or questions’.
About 30 local residents turned out and were matched by almost as many Ballymore representatives.
Ms Camm started the proceedings, welcoming everyone and reiterating what the meeting was about, as well as calling on everyone to remain polite and respectful when others were talking.
One of the first questions was regarding road access to the mine.
“The council will address the road off the decision of the Land Court,” Ms Camm said.
Andrew Gilbert then spoke on behalf of Ballymore and was frequently heckled by the crowd.
Local residents in attendance, who have formed action group ‘Save Whitsunday Water’, said they were ‘standing together to demand transparency and protect the community’s future’.
“At the Dittmer meeting, Ballymore—backed by its supporters—put on quite a show,” Save Whitsunday Water spokesperson Jeudi Croker said.
“Unfortunately, in my opinion, much of it was smoke and mirrors.
“The crowd, largely unfamiliar with the technical language being used, cheered as Ballymore representatives painted a picture that simply doesn’t align with the facts.
“Meanwhile, members of Save Whitsunday Water, Whitsunday Conservation Council, and other concerned locals were accused of ‘spreading lies’.
“However, there is no evidence to back up several of the claims made by Ballymore at the meeting.”
Particular issues the residents want clarity and transparency on include baseline water studies, water management plan and hydrogeology studies – if they have been done, they want to see the reports – and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) referral.
An EPBC referral is a written request for the Environment Minister to decide whether the action proposed needs assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.
“Under Australian Federal Environmental law, if a project is likely to have a significant impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance, an EPBC referral is required,” Ms Croker said.
“Ballymore’s own communications with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) confirm there was ongoing discussion – but no green light to skip this vital process.
“The community deserves better. The risk to our water, land and future is real – and we won’t stop raising the alarm until the facts are brought fully into the light.”
Whitsunday Conservation Council secretary Faye Chapman said it was ‘unfortunate’ that the tone of the meeting ‘verged on aggressive’.
“When I endeavoured to explain Whitsunday Conservation Council’s position to oppose Ballymore’s application, until considerably more environmental impact investigations/reports are carried out, they [Ballymore’s supporters] became very vocal.
“Not only do endangered and threatened fauna and flora deserve real protection, but this mine is situated upstream of the source of both Proserpine and Coastal residents’ drinking water.
“There were loud calls from some gentlemen that there was no way Whitsunday drinking water could be impacted because (implied) it comes from Peter Faust Dam.
“[They said] that the waters from Kelsey Creek Dittmer don’t provide drinking water but just flow into the Proserpine River and out to sea (that’s our Great Barrier Reef Marine Park!)
“Well, yes, this water does run into the Proserpine River, and it’s this water that helps recharge the aquifers near Prosperine, where our drinking water is sourced via bores.”
See link for more information:
https://www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/393961/whitsunday-rwssa.pdf
“This document confirms WCC local knowledge and is also supported by an experienced water engineer,” Ms Chapman continued.
The engineer states:
“The water supply for Proserpine and Coastal areas is extracted from aquifers recharged from river, creek and overland flows, and any polluting activities ‘upstream’ in a hydrogeological sense, from this bore field will pollute the water in that aquifer and subsequently the water supply.”
Following the community meeting in Dittmer, Amanda Camm said she would await the outcome of the independent Land Court decision.
“Residents of Dittmer and landowners of the surrounding area demonstrated their passion for their local community and show real interest in the proposed application for Dittmer to be an operating mine,” she said.
“Their concerns regarding development, impact on the road and water networks was evident and needs to be respected.
“With all proponents – no matter the industry – it is important that local voices are heard and considered, and concerns are addressed.
“As this matter sits with the Land Court as an independent review, I will await the outcome and will continue to foster open communication with the community and keep them updated on the project status and the importance for community engagement and consultation no matter the outcome.”
More information at HOME | SaveWhitsundayWater.
