After reading last weeks Braidwood Times, I thought I would write a letter expressing my concerns regarding the proposed mine at Dargues Reef Majors Creek.
First and foremost, I will do as Cortona have done, and “set the record straight”… I am not against progress in any shape or form, with the sole stipulation that it does not negatively impact upon my existing amenity and privacy, harm or damage the environment in any way, or compromise my local community’s wealth (private or public) in any form.
That said, I find it hard to believe I have been asked as a resident of Majors Creek, by Cortona, to simply believe, and placidly accept, that none of the above will occur…. And this is why I make this statement…. I have been awoken during the night by drilling, I have walked across the property where I live and heard the sound of drilling rigs in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening, I have been confronted by members of the community who are pro mining in Majors Creek and felt like my privacy has been compromised, and my life has been affected in countless other ways negatively by the proposed mining operations and the existing explorative prelude to the proposed mining operations.
I feel that if Cortona were completely serious about becoming a part of the Majors Creek community, and integrating within our community, and affecting our community in a truly significant and positive way, they would have not compromised my existing amenity thus far in such a negative way.
I have read, and have viewed video footage of Mr van der Borgh (managing director of Cortona), discussing the extended life of the mining operations. Many people in the community, I believe, think the mining operations will be gone in the next 6-9 years.
Here is a direct quote from Mr van der Borgh in the Western Australian Business News:
"…this underpins the robust economics of the operation, which is expected to generate strong cash flows and economic returns, providing a solid foundation for us to continue with our planned exploration programs aimed at increasing our resource base, extend the life of the operation, and potentially increase annual gold production rates"
The decisions that are made today by our elected representatives and government agencies, will affect us for many, many years to come, and how we live our lives in Majors Creek and indeed in our neighbouring towns.
I was disappointed to read the article in last weeks Braidwood Times regarding the meeting held in the Braidwood National Theatre. I was under the impression many concerns, regarding the operations of the mine, were raised by the community, however I feel these issues were not documented appropriately and given “air” time in the article.
Firstly, that Cortona would not legally be allowed continue operations and mine if their operations were found to compromise the amenity, acoustic or visual privacy, or any other legal entitlement of any of the residents of Majors Creek, a statement said by Cortona”s representatives on two separate occasions during the nights proceedings.
Secondly, that I and others (including the editor of the local paper) did not receive due notification of the meeting and that was reflected in the number of residents of Majors Creek and the surrounding local community that were present on the night ( I believe totaling approximately 36) not including Cortona’s representatives.
Thirdly, that Federal member for Monaro, Mike Kelly, was not present for more than just the start of the meeting and in actual fact simply attended the meeting to “introduce” Cortona’s representatives and then made a hasty exit not to be seen again that night.
Mr Kelly was not available for any discussion, or to hear the community’s response to Cortona’s presentation, or to listen to any of the questions put to the managing director of Cortona, Mr van der Borgh or his representatives, or to discuss the local community’s concerns. A sad fact and opportunity lost for Mr Kelly and the local community I believe.
Finally, and I feel most importantly is the issue:
If the mining operations compromise the amenity of any resident in the local community, or damage the environment in any way, or compromise the local community’s wealth be it public or private (and they say and have written they will not), but if they do, who will be directly responsible for making good financially, environmentally, and in every other way to the affected individuals and community.
