SUPPORTERS of the proposed Goschen rare-earth and mineral sands mining project are concerned the local region will miss out on important economic growth if the project is halted, says an investor.
As part of its environment effects statement, mining company VHM Limited said the project would bring an estimated $1.3 billion net uplift to the Victorian economy.
VHM said the project was estimated to increase economic activity in the study area by $2 billion, at an average annual economic impact of $206 million.
Environmentalists and local farmers have voiced their dissent over VHM’s plan to mine 4km north-east of Lalbert, citing concerns over the impact on the land.
But one investor says business owners believe missing the potential economic boom in the region could have a stronger impact on the future of communities across the Mallee.
Kerang investor and hotel owner Helen Zervopoulos said businesses were already struggling to pay rent and the region needed a fresh injection of industry.
“Having a business in Kerang, which someone else is running, I know that some businesses have been struggling to even pay the rent with the current economic climate,” she said.
“Firstly, this project is going to be bringing in at least 450 workers to the region, which I believe will have a very positive impact on the local economy.
“There will be the added incentive when it comes to improving local infrastructure.
“A lot of trucks will have to go up and down the highway, so they’ll have to keep the roads upgraded, which will be a big benefit for everyone.
“With railways being another way the project is planning on moving materials, that will have to be another part of the upgrades, I’d imagine.”
Ms Zervopoulos said the positive impact would be felt in decades to come, and that the industry would increase job opportunities for future residents.
“It’s also not just about now, there’s also the long-term benefit that will come with the project.
“In the coming decades, there will be increased employment opportunities for local people that wouldn’t otherwise be available to us.
“People are saying that it’s going to enable their children and their grandchildren to remain in the region long into the future.
“This can put a stop to the usual story of many of the local young people having to move away for work.”
Ms Zervopoulos said local farmers had been influenced by “organised protesters” and that locals should have faith in VHM’s ability to minimise environmental impact.
“I can’t really see why the farmers are against it, except for maybe those who are immediately adjacent or on the project’s site,” she said.
“They have concerns about the level of dust that is produced, but there has been dust-mitigation plans and ongoing monitoring of these things, these potential impacts to the environment.”
Ms Zervopoulos said she had heard local business owners in the region had kept their support of the project quiet to avoid potential impact on their businesses.
“A lot of people are hesitant to use their public voice with issues like this, especially if they feel they are going against the grain.
“I asked my tenants why more local businesses weren’t voicing their support, and was told that there was some fear this may impact their business.
“I think a petition is a really great way for us to use that voice, it goes straight to the (Planning) Minister and nobody else will need to know that their names are being put on the petition.
“I just think it’s really important for the local communities to know that their voice is important.”
