FRIENDS of Big Hill have called on Planning Minister, Matthew Guy to ensure a decision about the proposed Big Hill Enhanced Development Project is made before the State election.
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It comes as Labor candidate for Ripon, Daniel McGlone threw his conditional support behind the proposal.
Mr McGlone said if the State Government appointed panel finds in favour of the proposal, he sees no reason why the project shouldn't proceed.
A big question mark hangs over the project's immediate future if a State Government decision isn't made soon.
With just two weeks until the Victorian Government enters caretaker mode - 56 days prior to the State election, any ministerial decision will need to be made before that time.
There has been no word from the State Government appointed panel which finished its Stawell hearings in July.
"Obviously we are still waiting for the panel's findings, but if it was to make any adverse findings I wouldn't like to see a situation where we green light such a major undertaking just prior to an election," Mr McGlone said.
Mr McGlone met with members of the Friends of Big Hill in Stawell on Monday and said he listened carefully to their concerns.
"Stawell Gold Mine (SGM) brings business and employment to Stawell, but as this is an open cut mine proposal there are considerable concerns to do with public health and safety," he said.
"At present I am supportive of the project, because as I have been led to believe consultation throughout the entire process has been robust.
"I support something which brings solid investment to Stawell, but also a project that takes care of Stawell."
Mr McGlone said a lot has changed since the original proposal to open cut Big Hill 15 years ago.
"The submission back then was woefully inadequate with no clear exit strategy," he said.
"This time it appears they have learnt the lessons of the past and put forward a sophisticated proposal with rehabilitation included."
