Cr Murray Emerson said he had some 'very grave' personal doubts about whether Big Hill would be returned to its present state.

His comments came as Friends of Big Hill launched a last ditch attempt to draw attention to their plight through a community forum held at the Stawell Town Hall on Wednesday night.

The forum was organised ahead of a State Government appointed panel's recommendation about the project - which is expected any day now.

Responding to a question without notice about continued uncertainty as to whether Big Hill would be reinstated to its existing shape and size, Cr Murray Emerson said he has raised his concerns with council and through the Environment Effects Statement (EES) enquiry.

"I have some very grave personal doubts as to whether the hill can be re-constructed back to what it is now and I've bought those concerns up with council and all of those concerns have been forwarded on to the EES enquiry," he said.

Greens candidate for Ripon, Rod May was among the estimated 80 people who turned out for the two-hour long event.

Premier Denis Napthine, Mayor Cr Kevin Erwin, Ripon candidates Daniel McGlone (Labor), Louise Staley (Liberal) and Scott Turner (The Nationals) and representatives from Stawell Gold Mines (SGM) all declined an invitation to attend.

A portion of the gathering became hostile when Cr Emerson said Big Hill's appearance after the mine project is finished will ultimately rest with the community.

"I'm of the opinion, and that's information that we've discussed through council over quite a deal of time now, that we are heading in the direction where the rehabilitation will put Big Hill back the way the community wants it,” he said.

“We believe it will go back the way the community want it to go back, (however) there is some discussion in regard to whether it can reach the exact proportions that it is now.”

The community forum, chaired by Graeme Trickey, included addresses by Jane Marriott (environment), Peter Baker (economics), Ian McGee (rehabilitation), Ariane Wilkinson (legal), Dr Catherine Pye (health) and Gary Saunders (heritage and water).

In speaking out against the proposed project, Stawell businessman Peter Baker said it is a ‘bad deal’ for residents of Northern Grampians Shire.

He said despite acknowledging it will be an economic generator for five years, fears for the Big Hill area well into the future, after the mine is gone are well founded.

“I earn an income from this town, it has raised and supported me for 45 of my 48 years, it educated me, it allowed me to raise a family and start a business,” he said.

“Some of us live far away from it, some of us live right on the project and are going to be in the zone 24/7 and some people just don’t care - they are prepared to just meander along, but probably will be the first to complain.”

Jane Marriott said given its proximity to homes and native flora and fauna, the environment will suffer greatly if the project proceeds.

“I believe the proposal is totally unacceptable and should have been dismissed before now to spare the community the uncertainty and stress of dealing with this abomination yet again,” she said.

“As you will see if you visit the Ironbarks or any other local attraction at this time of the year, all that glitters is not just gold.”

Stawell Gold Mine General Manager Troy Cole said the company respected the decision by Friends of Big Hill to host the event, however due to the current panel and ministerial considerations in progress, he felt that it was inappropriate to participate.

“The company respects the EES process and believes it is the best and most effective channel to raise issues and answer questions in an independent forum,” he said.

“During the EES process, SGM has held a number of community forums, workshops and one-on-one meetings, all of which have been favourably attended.

“In the event that the project is considered appropriate to proceed, Stawell Gold Mines will actively engage the community to assist individual understanding and progression of options available derived from ministerial direction.”

The findings of the State Government appointed panel, which sat in Stawell throughout the month of July, will be key to whether or not the project proceeds.

The decision ultimately rests with the Planning Minister, Matthew Guy. His decision is expected to come just shy of November’s State Election.