Mine Watch Meander Valley Incorporated

Mine Watch Meander Valley Incorporated is a grassroots, volunteer-driven organisation based in the Meander Valley region of Tasmania, formed in direct response to the threat posed by proposed mining activities, particularly the ABx Group’s bauxite mine at Reedy Marsh. The group emerged from a deep-seated community concern that large-scale mining operations—including those targeting bauxite, heavy metals, and rare earth elements—could irreversibly damage the valley’s environment, agricultural lands, water quality, and the unique way of life cherished by local residents. The community’s opposition is rooted in a desire to protect not only the natural beauty of the region but also its social fabric and economic sustainability.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Mine Watch Meander Valley Incorporated is to safeguard the Meander Valley from the environmental and social impacts of mining. The group’s vision is a future where the valley’s natural resources, farmlands, and conservation areas are preserved for generations to come, and where community voices are central to decisions affecting their home. The organisation believes that the long-term health of the region and its people must take precedence over short-term industrial interests.

Main Objectives

• Oppose harmful mining proposals that threaten the environment, water quality, and local agriculture.
• Advocate for transparent and meaningful community consultation in all mining-related decisions.
• Provide accurate information and raise awareness about the potential impacts of mining on the Meander Valley.
• Support legal and regulatory challenges to ensure mining companies are held accountable and that all approvals meet the highest environmental and social standards.
• Promote sustainable land use that benefits both the community and the environment.

Benefiting Groups

The primary beneficiaries of Mine Watch Meander Valley Incorporated’s work are the residents of the Meander Valley, including farmers, landowners, conservationists, and local businesses. The organisation also advocates for the protection of native wildlife, waterways, and the Brushy Rivulet Conservation Area. By standing against mining proposals, the group seeks to preserve the valley’s social cohesion, economic diversity, and environmental integrity for all who live in and visit the region.

Types of Services and Activities

• Community education and outreach, including public meetings, film screenings (such as the documentary Voices of the Meander Valley), and information sessions to inform residents about mining proposals and their potential impacts.
• Legal advocacy, engaging experts in fields such as road safety, air and water quality, and environmental science to provide evidence in appeals and regulatory processes.
• Campaigning and petitioning to demonstrate widespread community opposition to mining and to influence decision-makers at local and state levels.
• Membership drives, offering locals the opportunity to join the organisation, participate in decision-making, and contribute to the campaign’s direction.
• Fundraising, with all donations directed towards legal and expert costs associated with the campaign.

Mine Watch Meander Valley Incorporated operates as a locally based, volunteer-run entity, ensuring that every effort and resource is focused on protecting the valley. The group’s activities are designed to empower the community, amplify local voices, and challenge decisions that could compromise the region’s future. Through education, advocacy, and collective action, the organisation strives to ensure that the Meander Valley remains a place where nature, agriculture, and community thrive together.