BOTH the Coalition and Labor have declared on the eve of the state election, that the door is most certainly not closed in relation to the Big Hill Enhanced Development Project.
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Opposition leader, Daniel Andrews said during an interview in Stawell, that if elected, his government would consider any review put forward that might challenge the recommendation made by Planning Minister Matthew Guy in respect of the open cut proposal.
The Coalition has also delivered a possible lifeline to the project on the eve of the election, with Liberal candidate for Ripon, Scott Turner, revealing that he has been working closely with the Energy and Resources Minister, Russell Northe, who had confirmed that the open cut mine proposal is not by any means dead and buried.
It means both sides of the political pendulum would be open to a review of Minister Guy's recommendation, if that was the path Stawell Gold Mines and its parent company Crocodile Gold wishes to pursue.
Mr Andrews, speaking about the potential for establishing a Particle Physics Laboratory at the underground mine site in Stawell, said his key focus for Stawell was about job retention and job creation.
"Obviously things have been pretty tough for the Stawell Gold Mine and we understand there's been a lot of uncertainty and families have been quite concerned about what their future may hold," Mr Andrews said.
"We think this (Particle Physics laboratory) can be the next chapter in that gold mine's story. I think there will be widespread community support for this.
"I know there have been decisions made in recent times and they've been a little bit controversial, but there will be no controversy around this. This is just a natural extension, a unique facility the best of technology in partnership with the University of Melbourne.
"(It means) 200 plus jobs, so this is very important announcement."
Mr Andrews was questioned whether or not an elected Labor government would look to overturn the Planning Minister's decision on the open cut mine at Big Hill.
"If they were to seek a review, then that would be judged on its merits," he said.
"Parties are able to seek a review, but the decision stands as it currently is."
A further question was posed to Mr Andrews that the jobs that are going to disappear through the open cut mine being rejected are not going to be replaced by the jobs in the Particle Physics laboratory. Mr Andrews was asked what he was going to do with those people who would have been there working at the open cut mine.
"The Planning Minister has made his decision and we will need to get advice on that, as we will for a lot of decisions that Matthew Guy has made," Mr Andrews said.
"They're very secretive, they're often questionable, many of which have been challenged in court.
"Again, parties are able to reshape applications, they're able to appeal against all sorts of decisions that have been made. We need more information to be clear about any exact reapplication if that's the right term to use. And we look at all applications on their merits.
"We're not afraid of making decisions. Infact we know we've got to get on and do that. But again we need to probably see a bit more of the information and see exactly why Minister Guy made the decision he made before we can pre-empt any application that hasn't actually been lodged.
"I think we probably need to get briefed by people and again we're not taking anything for granted and there will be a time to look at all those matters in detail hopefully after the community has elected a Labor government."
Nationals candidate for Ripon, Scott Turner, said he hadn't previously bought into the open cut debate, but had been putting in a lot of work behind the scenes.
"I have been working with the Energy and Resources Minister Russell Northe, along with others and have confirmed that this one is still very much live - difficult, but live," Mr Turner said.
Mr Turner has now vowed to fight tooth and nail for the open cut project.
"I've told the Minister how important this development is for Stawell and that we can't let it go down without a fight," Mr Turner said.
"I will fight for Stawell jobs.
"The Minister has told me he has an open mind on the matter at this point in time as he has not formally considered the final EES. We know the EES recommended against approval, but I believe the environmental concerns may be able to be addressed.
"I believe the company is interested in pursuing approval, the Northern Grampians Shire Council is a strong supporter and following last week's rally, there is clearly strong support from the community.
"I know how important the jobs and spending the mine brings are to Stawell and I will fight to get this over the line."
Mr Northe had told the Stawell Times News in an interview earlier this month, that he would continue to work with Stawell Gold Mines and the Stawell community as it comes to terms with the Planning Minister's decision.
"What I would say is we want to work with the company. Are there other options, are there other alternatives to which they might pursue," he said.
"We know it is important to the local economy. So whether there are any other options or opportunities for the company and those employed within the sector within this particular region, we'll have to have those conversations over the next period of time.
"I want to say very clearly to the company and those who are supportive of the project, we will work with the proponents, the company and the community who are keen to see further development in this sector.
"We will do what we can if we are re-elected on November 29."
- The Stawell Times News conducted an online poll asking residents to vote whether or not they believe the open cut project should proceed.
- The poll closed on Wednesday, with a total of 1604 votes recorded.
- The vast majority of people voted in favour of the open cut mine on Big Hill, with 1141 yes votes for a percentage of just under 72 percent
- There were 463 votes against the proposal, making up the other 28 percent.