Tom Gleeson leads backlash that ends Macedon Ranges mine fight
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to mine the Macedon Ranges has been abandoned after a furious community outcry led by comedian Tom Gleeson.
North West
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A CONTROVERSIAL plan to mine the Macedon Ranges has been abandoned after a furious community outcry led by Romsey comedian Tom Gleeson.
The application for an “exploratory licence” had been proposed by Perth-based company Macedon Resources.
More than 5000 people signed a petition launched by Mr Gleeson before the application was withdrawn. The company wanted to search for base metals like copper, cobalt and zinc.
GOLD EXPLORATION LICENCES GRANTED
ENERGY AUSTRALIA ASKS FOR LICENCE EXTENSION
MACEDON RANGES ‘DAMAGING GROWTH’ PLAN
Macedon Resources director Steven Standing told the Leader the company had withdrawn its application on Friday. The original proposal covered a 234km area around Romsey and Lancefield but was later halved after community consultation.
Mr Gleeson, a Romsey resident and host ABC television show Hard Quiz, told the Leader he wanted to thank the community and local members of parliament for getting behind the cause.
“I feel like I need to thank them (Macedon Resources) too. They’ve listened to the community and withdrawn,” Mr Gleeson said.
The company’s website said, if granted, the now-withdrawn application would have allowed for rock chip sampling and analysis, exploration drilling, geological mapping and a literature review over a two-year period.
Mr Gleeson urged people to stay informed on local issues.
“Pay attention to what is happening is in your local area. If you see a mining application advertised get in early. Object early,” he said.
“We didn’t have to make a single placard.”
rob.mitchell.mp@aph.gov.au: STOP MACEDON RANGES MINING EXPLORATION LICENCE - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/bf4vNK0OPf via @ChangeAUS
— Scott Pape (@scottpape) October 16, 2018
Not in our Town! 👊ðŸ»ðŸ‘ŠðŸ»ðŸ‘ŠðŸ»#Romsey https://t.co/BiRTficRLn
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) October 17, 2018
The Macedon Ranges is famous for its native forests and wildlife.
Barefoot Investor Scott Pape and former Australian cricketer Dean Jones — both fellow residents — voiced support for the mine fight on social media.
Macedon Ranges Residents Association secretary Christine Pruneau told the Leader there was more to the area than its potential underground value.
“The words beautiful and protect appear almost constantly when people are talking about this. I think people are saying they value this place for a lot more than digging stuff out of the ground,” Ms Pruneau said.
Romsey’s Lucy Ansell and Sheryn Toner were just two residents campaigning behind the scenes. Ms Toner said she was impressed by how the community banded together.
“I just feel relieved that people shared my concerns and they value our community for what it is, rather than what it can give us,” Ms Toner said.
“I think it really gained support when Tom Gleeson made it public. I think he really made a difference for us.”
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