NOLA Bennett’s family has been farming at Lalbert for more than 130 years but she fears the family tradition will soon come to an end if mining company VHM receives approval to mine for rare earths and minerals.
VHM is proposing to mine 1500 hectares of land near Lalbert close the the Bennett farm.
The company says it has discovered one of the largest deposits of rare earths in the world, valuable for making electronics, magnets, batteries and other products.
Ms Bennett told the advisory committee at its hearing in Swan Hill on Monday that the farm was not only their livelihood but their home and where they had raised their children.
“We now welcome the sixth generation in our grandchildren who in all likelihood will want to continue the farming tradition,” Mrs Bennett said.
“Our eldest son, Jaron, was an agronomist.
“He had a passion for the land that he developed as a little boy.
“Unfortunately in 2015 Jaron passed away in his brother’s arms at the age of 26 from a heart arrhythmia, leaving behind his wife and seven-week-old son.
“His nine-year-old son also has the same passion for the farm that his dad had.
“He’s now asking us, ‘What will happen to me if they ruin Pa’s farm?’”
Living 2.5 kilometres from the proposed industrial refinery for the Goschen Rare Earths and Minerals Sand Mine, Ms Bennett voiced her concerns about the project’s potential risks to the community.
Members of the group Mine Free Mallee Farms echoed similar concerns about radiation, dust and noise pollution and groundwater contamination.
Ms Bennett said she was concerned that the radioactivity of the mined elements in their unnatural state would pose risks to more than just the farms.
“Before becoming a farmer’s wife, I was a nurse,” Ms Bennett told the committee.
“Having nursed many patients with cancer, this is not something I want for my family, neighbours or myself.”
Ms Bennett said she and others in the community had been feeling overwhelmed by the EES process.
“The first meeting was very emotional,” she said.
“Many residents found our livelihoods were threatened.
“The meeting was videoed and locals were met with security guards as we entered the venue.
“It was very intimidating.
“This was followed by a visit to our home by VHM consultants who told us what they wanted from our farm, regardless of our objections, including that they would bulldoze the house and sheds if we sold to them.”
“If any other business took someone’s livelihood and destroyed it, it would be a criminal offence.
“We don’t understand why mining companies are allowed to do this.”
Lalbert cropper John Fogarty told The Guardian that presenting evidence at a hearing was something he never thought he would have to do as a farmer but the hearing had given him hope about affecting the outcome for the town.
“It’s a project that should have never been considered for our area,” Mr Fogarty said.
“It’s a populated area with a lot of people in close proximity to the (proposed) mine as it’s only three kilometres out of the Lalbert township.
“The negatives will far outweigh the positives, especially when you’re dealing with human health and environmental impacts.
“You can’t put money and jobs above people’s lives.”
Mr Fogarty’s wife Minka Fogarty said she disagreed with the argument of the project bringing economic gain to the region.
“There is no housing,” Mrs Fogarty said.
“You’ve got one Catholic school and it’s full.
“You also have no local health system that will support the population.
“They’re not going to bring families when there’s nowhere to live so they’re not going to be spending their money here.
“Their money will go back to wherever it is they’re settled.”
But solar company KIG Energy chairperson Greg Fonti said Australia could lose the opportunity to become a rare-earth minerals powerhouse if the Goschen project was not approved.
“Australia is one of the most successful countries in the world at progressively rehabilitating mine sites,” Mr Fonti said.
“And given the supply (of rare-earth minerals) here, we have the opportunity to do something about that.
“We have to be smarter in how we can go about this.
“It’s a touchy subject when you talk about mining and farming together.
“Passions run very high and facts tend to go right out the window.
“Farmers and miners have to get together and listen to one another and come up with a solution .”
The committee concludes its hearings next Tuesday and will report its findings to the government in June.
