Environmentalists opposing Katanning Gold Project ready as public comments open
The No Mine in Katanning environmentalists said they are studying documents presented by developers Ausgold for the Katanning Gold Project and would have their objections submitted by the time public comments close on the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation website on July 25.
The EPBC public portal opened for comments on July 11 and anyone with an opinion has until July 25 to submit their thoughts on the Ausgold plan.
The mine is proposed for Badgebup, 30km outside Katanning, and the developers say it could employ up to 350 people.
However, the No Mine in Katanning group say they are gathering support from people worried about how it will affect endangered wildlife in the area including Carnaby's black cockatoos and red-tailed phasogales.
Documents on the EPBC portal include a fauna survey and risk assessment report by Perth-based environmental consultancy Terrestrial Ecosystems.
It put cameras in several locations to record wildlife and found evidence of black cockatoos and phasogales as well as the inland form of the western rosella and western grey kangaroos.
It recommended that if there was a referral under the EPBC Act, Ausgold should implement a Vertebrate Fauna Management and Mitigation Plan to outline strategies to minimise the impact on the wildlife and its habitat.
A spokesperson for No Mine in Katanning said the mine would severely impact wildlife in the area.
'It is highly likely to have a devastating effect on the natural activities of Carnaby's, red-tailed phascogales and other wildlife,' the spokesperson said.
'Stands of remnant native vegetation within and close to the mine's footprint are Katanning's prime breeding area for endangered Carnaby's black cockatoos.
'They need quiet places to raise their young but this mine, with its 24-7 noise, dust and light pollution, would certainly frighten them away.
'Loss of breeding and food source habitat is the main reason these iconic birds have become endangered, but governments are continuing to allow mining and other developments to destroy crucial habitat.'
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