Terramin Australia has had its bid to develop a gold mine at Woodside knocked back
Adelaide Hills wineries and agricultural businesses are celebrating the state government’s decision to block the development of a gold mine by Terramin Australia.
Adelaide Hills wineries and agriculture businesses are celebrating a momentous win in their 14-year battle against the development of a gold mine at Woodside, with Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis blocking Terramin Australia’s mining lease application.
A coalition of wine companies including Bird in Hand, Artwine, and several other agricultural concerns banded together more than a decade ago to fight the proposed mining project, which they said put the fragile water table in the area at risk. There were also concerns over truck movements and the impact on the area’s reputation as a clean, green food producer.
The relationship between Terramin and local business owners was at times acrimonious, with lawyers for the company at one time serving legal documents on people associated with Bird in Hand “largely just to piss the whole family off”.
Jim Franklin-McEvoy, who has been the spokesman for the Inverbrackie Creek Catchment group over the course of the battle to stop the mine, said it was an emotional day for people in the area.
“It’s been 14 years of uncertainty and intimidation holding back ag development,’’ he said.
Mr Franklin-McEvoy said concerns over the impacts of the mining project had led business owners to freeze their investment plans, and he had already had conversations with people who are already saying they would now start investing in projects such as new orchards.
Bird in Hand founder Andrew Nugent said the decision was “a tremendous relief for our local community.”
“We appreciate the clarity of direction from the State Government to endorse the pristine environment, the world class wine, food and the precious cultural significance of the beautiful Adelaide Hills,’’ he said.
“This decision allows us to continue to promote Adelaide Hills produce on the world stage with surety.”
Mr Koutsantonis said declining to grant the project approval was not a decision he took lightly.
“I appreciate Terramin’s co-operation in providing further detail about their proposed operation as requested,’’ he said.
“I’m also acutely aware of community concerns about the proposal, including from nearby wineries, residents and the local community.
“The area of the proposed mine is home to a world-class viticulture industry, producing some of Australia’s best-loved wines.
“Tourism to the region is a critical contributor to the local economy and, on balance, there remains a possibility this proposed short-term mine may adversely affect the established and significant long-term agricultural and tourism industries of the Woodside area immediately adjacent the project areas.
“As such, I am not willing to risk these established local industries against the opportunity this short-term mine may provide, and have decided it is in the state’s interest to decline the Mining Lease and Miscellaneous Purposes Licence applications by Terramin for its Bird in Hand Gold Project.’’
Member for Kavel Dan Cregan said the project had caused “deep alarm” in the community.
“I believe the proposal threatened industries of state significance in the Hills, including world-recognised wine, berries, apples, pears and cherries,’’ he said.
“My constituents were also deeply concerned about truck movements, underground blasting, dust and the impact on the local environment and amenity.
“We have fought long and hard to be heard on this issue. Today is a very important day for the Hills and the communities that were impacted by this proposal.”
Terramin shares were more than 18 per cent lower at 2.2c early Thursday.
The company said in a statement it was “surprised and disappointed’’ by the decision.
“The applications were supported by comprehensive studies based on science, which demonstrated that there would be no adverse environmental outcomes arising from Terramin’s mining proposal.
“These studies were peer reviewed by independent and Government experts over many years. “Terramin has not been made aware of any issues with the methodology or conclusions of these studies.
“This decision will mean that the communities of Woodside and Strathalbyn will miss out on the creation of over 140 highly paid mining jobs and many more indirect jobs. The people of South Australia will miss out on the mine’s significant economic contribution to the state economy.’’