At the September 10 meeting, residents will call on the candidates of all political persuasions (Louise Staley - Liberal, Daniel McGlone - Labor, Scott Turner - The Nationals and Rod May - The Greens) to reveal where they stand on the proposed Big Hill Enhanced Development Project.

To be hosted by the Friends of Big Hill, commencing at 7.30pm at the Stawell Town Hall, the event has been designed to inform the Ripon candidates and residents about the project and answer any questions that may have arisen from the recent State Government appointed panel hearings.

Graeme Trickey will chair a panel of six members who have been closely involved in the Environment Effect Statement (EES) process.

The forum will be conducted question and answer style with panel members using information gathered from official submissions and past personal experiences with the EES process.

The panel will also deal with some legal and health issues relating to the proposal to open cut mine Big Hill.

Friend of Big Hill, Marion Kossowski said concerns about the health impacts of open-cut mining Big Hill emerged during the panel hearings and should be of special interest to all residents.

She said questions relating to health impacts and other issues including the environment and rehabilitation will be addressed and discussed in an attempt to better inform the community and Ripon candidates.

"Stawell and other Ripon voters hope that the Ripon candidates will use every opportunity to become fully informed about the project," Mrs Kossowski said.

"Their stated positions will guide voters in this region, come the November 29 poll."