help stop an opencut gold mine in western Victoria

Background

Canadian gold miner Crocodile Gold is pressing ahead with the development of the Big Hill open pit project at the Stawell gold mine in western Victoria.

The company has started the process of winning approval from the Victorian Government.

It plans to process 2.3 million tonnes of ore to recover more than 108,000 ounces of gold.

Crocodile Gold took over the Big Hill Project after it bought the Stawell Gold Mine in May last year.

Community opposition forced the abandonment of plans for an open cut in the same area a decade ago.

The need

Various people from Stawell have asked us to intervene in this issue. Our plan is to send a campaigner to Stawell for 2 – 4 months to:

• Hold community outreach sessions and information stalls to poll community opinions to the mine
• Provide direct and logistical support to people wanting to oppose the project
• To track, and be involved in, any government processes relating to approvals.

We need a minimum of $6,000 to make this happen (to cover transport, wage, communications and outreach).

If you can help, please donate here: http://www.givenow.com.au/friendsoftheearthaustralia
(indicate that it is for the Big Hill gold campaign).

Or contact Cam Walker if you would like further information: 0419 338 047 [email protected]