Stawell Gold Mines Environment and Community Advisor David Coe and General Manager Troy Cole, look overplans for the potential development of Big Hill.
STAWELL - Stawell residents are encouraged to attend a Community Drop-In Session to provide an overview of the Big Hill Enhanced Development Project.
Stawell Gold Mines general manager, Troy Cole, said two sessions will be held to enable Stawell Gold Mines to gather ideas and issues from the Stawell community on the proposed project.
"We are mindful of the importance of Big Hill to the region and the history it represents and are therefore committed to keeping the community informed and engaged," Mr Cole said.
"Last week we commenced meeting with a number of residents surrounding the Big Hill area and will hold further information sessions to allow the wider community to learn more about the project."
The drop-in sessions will be held on Saturday, February 16, between 11am to 3pm and Wednesday, February 20 between 5pm to 8pm. Sessions will be at the Stawell RSL in Scallan Street.
A short presentation will be held on the hour, each hour, outlining key features of the project.
On Saturday, February 16, these presentations will be held at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. On Wednesday, February 20 these presentations will be held at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.
The Saturday and Wednesday sessions will be the same, so participating community members will need to select only one date to attend. It is not necessary to rsvp.
In late January, Stawell Gold Mines lodged an Environment Effects Statement (EES) referral with the Victorian Planning Minister relating to Big Hill, to determine the process it will need to follow to pursue the Big Hill Enhanced Development Project.
The Big Hill Enhanced Development Project will retain 80 to 100 jobs and is a four to five year project including a progressive rehabilitation program.
Mr Cole said while this project has been proposed before, this is an enhanced project with a major difference being the full reinstatement of Big Hill to its original landform once mining is complete. This reinstatement will allow for the removal of all dangerous voids and a stronger environmental consideration by minimising the disruption to the community.
"Residents can attend these sessions to gain an understanding of the major differences and to have a chat to the project team, view display material, fill out a feedback form and collect handouts," Mr Cole said.
For more information on the project call 1800 771 729, email enquiries@crocgold.com.ay or go to www.crocgold.com/bighill