Concerns Rise Over Proposed Sand Mine in Tasmania’s North-East

Plans to establish a significant sand mining operation in Tasmania's north-east have sparked considerable backlash from local Aboriginal groups. North Scottsdale Resources is set to apply for a mining lease next month, aiming to extract 90 to 100 million tonnes of sand over the next 30 to 40 years from Rushy Lagoon, Tasmania's largest farm.

The proposal involves constructing a 700-metre jetty to facilitate the export of sand, which is intended for use in concrete production. However, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) and Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation (MTWAC) have voiced strong opposition, highlighting the potential environmental and cultural repercussions of the mine.

Environmental and Cultural Concerns

The TAC's country and culture manager, Andry Sculthorpe, expressed deep concern over the proposed mining site, emphasizing its historical significance to Aboriginal people. "The sandy coastlines of the North East are areas where our ancestors lived their lives and buried their dead," Sculthorpe stated. He insisted that the mining operation could destroy irreplaceable heritage, calling for greater respect for the land.

MTWAC co-chair Mark Harriss added that the environmental impact of the jetty and associated vessels poses risks to local ecosystems, particularly the Boobyalla sand dunes. While North Scottsdale Resources claims that the mining will not disturb the dunes, Harriss argues that any disturbance to the land is unacceptable.

Economic Prospects and Community Engagement

Tony Ellis, director of North Scottsdale Resources, argued that the project would benefit the region economically by creating jobs, with initial employment expected to be between 25 to 30 people, potentially rising to around 40. The company has also conducted various assessments, including Aboriginal heritage studies, to address environmental concerns.

Despite these claims, both Sculthorpe and Harriss stress the importance of genuine consultation with Aboriginal communities to ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process. Harriss called on the Dorset Council to ensure adequate engagement with local Aboriginal people as the project moves forward.

Source: www.abc.net.au