Eden Project Anglesea: $150m eco-tourism project advances after successful tests

A proposed $150m eco-tourism project in Anglesea is in the process of evaluating the best way forward following the completion of initial pumping tests at the site.

Eden project concept for Anglesea’s ALCOA mine.

Developers behind a proposed $150m eco-tourism project in Anglesea, first announced in 2019, are evaluating the best way forward following the completion of initial pumping tests at the site.

The Eden Project is a concept for a world class eco-tourism attraction, which according to the organisation, is projected to create more than 1300 new jobs and generate $350m for the regional economy in its first 10 years of operation.

The proposed site is located on the site of a former Alcoa coal mine in Anglesea, and according to plans first revealed in 2019, would feature retail and catering areas, an artificial lake, as well as an interactive tourism centre set to create 300 full-time jobs.

In May 2021, it was revealed the project had stalled because it was yet to receive approval.

At the time, there were “complex matters that need to be thoroughly investigated” to properly inform the final approval for the rehabilitation of the site.

In early 2022, the project was on track after it was revealed initial tests at the site were at the halfway stage.

An Eden Project spokesman said the organisation remained enthusiastic about the site’s potential and aimed to formulate a plan for the next stages of the project.

“We recognise the excellent work that has been done until now by Alcoa, particularly during the years when Covid prevented us from travelling,” the spokeswoman said.

The former quarry area at Alcoa Anglesea. Picture: Alison Wynd

The spokesman said initial pumping tests at Alcoa were completed in 2021, and revealed no adverse impacts were identified on groundwater dependent ecosystems, including the Anglesea River or other users.

“The test was scientifically rigorous and the data and results were provided to the community monthly,” he said.

“Victorian government agencies and departments oversaw testing throughout the process.”

A spokeswoman from Alcoa said water extraction rates, groundwater levels and quality, and the water body level were closely monitored by a specialist consultant during the testing period.

“Results were reported monthly to a Co-Regulator Technical Working Group taking in Alcoa, Southern Rural Water, the Department Environment Land Water and Planning, EPA Victoria, Earth Resources Regulation, Barwon Water and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority,” she said.

“The Co-Regulator Technical Working Group met on a monthly basis during the test period to provide an overview of the results and discuss any issues or concerns. No significant concerns were raised during the testing period.”

A state government spokesman said the Eden Project was still at concept stage with no application yet submitted to the government.

“Any application would be subject to rigorous planning and environmental assessment, and community consultation,” he said.

Originally published as Eden Project Anglesea: $150m eco-tourism project advances after successful tests