Just weeks out from Santana Minerals lodging resource consents for its Central Otago gold mine near Bendigo, lobby group Sustainable Tarras has become more active with its campaign against it.

Speaking in the public forum of the Otago Regional Council meeting last Wednesday (February 19), and publishing a media release days later, the group has released two videos about the scope of the project and their concerns.

Sustainable Tarras spokesperson Suze Keith said the group was concerned that “most people have no idea what’s coming”.

The company confirmed to the Central App it was planning on submitting its fast track application as soon as possible, likely in March/April.

Engagement manager Vicki Blakeborough said they were continuing to gather information that would inform its application for consents.

An aerial shot of the Bendigo area.

“As information comes to hand, we are sharing this on our website, and at drop-in sessions in the Tarras and Cromwell communities. We would encourage those that would like to find out more about the project to come along to our drop-in sessions, or to get in touch with us.”

In a statement, the company said they would also like to point out that while the project would be assessed under the Fast-Track approval process, there was mandated legislation and standards that would need to be met.

“This includes the Resource Management Act and associated regulations and national policy statements. 

“The Fast-track is a process to facilitate projects of national significance and gives due weighting to the social and economic benefits that it will provide through improved infrastructure, well paid jobs and a major economic stimulus, all funded through private investment not central government.”

Sustainable Tarras was encouraging people who cared about Central Otago to make some noise, ask questions of their local council and politicians and spread the word. 

“If we’re going to have any influence over the fast track consenting process, we really need help.”

The group has spent the last few months researching what was proposed and gathering information from the mining industry about similar operations, including the Macraes gold mine.

Bendigo wine grower Rob van der Mark and Suze spoke to ORC and gave their perspective on what they called ‘industrialisation’ of the valley, and the impacts on the nearby Shepherds Creek.

“Pro-mining politicians and mining executives have made questionable, sweeping statements about ‘economic benefits’, but we think most people will be horrified when they realise what is involved. 

"The size, scale and risks associated with this fast-tracked project are ‘off the charts’, totally contradict the values of the area, and people in Central Otago and beyond need to know what’s coming.”

Santana said the mitigation of environmental effects such as wide-spread pest control and conservation of threatened species would make the project one that Central Otago and New Zealand would be proud of.

PHOTOS: Supplied