The residents from Stawell, Ararat and surrounding areas walked and caught rides in courtesy buses to gather at the memorial on top of Big Hill and offer their support to the Big Hill Enhanced Development Project.

Many residents have expressed their dismay following a recommendation by Planning Minister Matthew Guy, that the open cut proposal should not proceed.

The recommendation and particularly the way it was delivered by the Minister, also drew criticism from Northern Grampians Shire Councillors, many of whom attended Friday night's rally.

Rally organiser, Alicia Crichton, said she was delighted to see so many people gather on Big Hill to show their support.

"We knew going by what people had said on Facebook, that we could get anywhere from 100 to 200 people there on Friday night," Mrs Crichton said.

"In reality, we needed at least that many people in order to make a statement to the government ministers that the community wants the open cut to go ahead.

"I was overwhelmed by the number of people who turned up in the end and offered their support. It was an amazing show of support for the cause and for the mine.

"It really was proof that the initial recommendation for the open cut to not proceed, isn't just going to impact on the 100 or so workers at the mine, but on so many more in the community."

Stawell Gold Mines General Manager Troy Cole, agreed the gathering of more than 1000 residents was a strong show of support for the mine and its proposal.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the residents of Stawell and district, for your strong show of support here tonight," Mr Cole said.

"We are working hard to overcome all the challenges that have been presented to us. This is not over by a long shot yet."

Mr Cole said Stawell Gold Mine has refused to give up on its plans to open cut mine Big Hill, despite the negative response from the State Planning Minister.

Late last month, just days before the State Government went into caretaker mode, Minister Guy recommended the proposed mine be rejected based on his assessment of the environmental effects.

In releasing his assessment, Mr Guy said the Environment Effects Statement process had determined the proposed mine could have significant environmental impacts particularly in regard to air quality and public health and was therefore unacceptable.

Mr Cole said the company was continuing to work through Mr Guy's assessment in the belief that any perceived detrimental effects could be satisfactorily addressed.

"During this process we have identified several material defects in the report on which Minister Guy based his recommendation," Mr Cole said.

"We hope to have these defects addressed before the proposal goes to the statutory decision makers for a final ruling."

Stawell Gold Mine undertook widespread community consultation and prepared a comprehensive Environmental Effects Statement which included extensive economic, environmental and social studies in a bid to win State Government approval for the mine. This is the second time the State Government has refused an application to mine this area.

Mr Cole said the timing of Mr Guy's assessment, almost on the eve of the State Government going into caretaker mode, made it difficult for the company to engage government at this time.

"However, we are working through the recommendations to try and find a way forward and to ensure we are prepared to continue discussions with whoever is in government after the election," Mr Cole said.

"This project will employ 80 to 100 people. This does not include other employment opportunities created outside of SGM - this employment is extremely important to Stawell's and Victoria's economy.

"While we are committed to doing our utmost to preserve these jobs in Stawell, the announcement has made the future uncertain."

Mr Cole said he understood the concerns of some community members but was encouraged by the numerous calls and conversations from residents who want the company to "fight" this decision.

"This support strengthens our conviction and encourages us to work closely with the new State Government to do what we can to have the proposal ratified," he said.

Residents who attended Friday night's support rally on Big Hill signed a petition calling on the project's approval. Petitions are still available to be signed at Rumba, Sneak-A-Peak and Ruby Road in Main Street.