The Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association (LCSFA) has welcomed commitments from both the South Australian Liberal Party and MacKillop MP Nick McBride to support an independent vulnerability assessment into the impacts of rare earth strip mining on the Limestone Coast.
The pledges come in direct response to the association’s ongoing #SaveOurSoils campaign, which calls for science-based, transparent safeguards to protect the region’s soils, groundwater, and long-term agricultural productivity.
LCSFA Chair Todd Woodard said the election commitments are a positive step, reflecting the strength of advocacy by local farmers, residents, and community volunteers but noted the campaign would continue until all sides of politics showed their support.
“We thank the Liberal Party, via Rebekah Rosser, and Nick McBride for listening to the Limestone Coast community and committing to a fully independent and transparent assessment,” Mr Woodard said.
“This is a constructive step toward ensuring decisions about rare earth mining are guided by evidence, not assumptions, and that the risks to soils, groundwater, ecosystems, public health, and regional livelihoods are properly understood before any mining permits are granted.”
The association also welcomed the Liberal Party’s commitment to a precautionary pause on new rare earth strip-mining licences and approvals until the assessment is completed and publicly released, scheduled to be finalised in the first 100 days if elected. They also applauded Mr McBride’s pledge to modernise the mining act, adoption of an agricultural value blueprint and stronger advocacy platform, if elected, reflecting the enduring economic value of agriculture.
The Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association remains committed to working with all levels of government, industry, and the community to ensure responsible development that safeguards the region’s unique natural assets and supports long-term regional prosperity.
Mr Woodard said the concerns were not about stopping progress but about getting the balance right between agriculture and mining.
“Our campaign is about safeguarding the Limestone Coast for the long term. In addition to an independent assessment and a pause on new approvals, we are calling for stronger protection of high-value agricultural land, greater transparency and accountability in mining regulation, and a clear regional blueprint prioritising food and fibre production, water security, and value-adding industries,” he said, noting the campaign would continue until the 21 March election.
“This issue is bigger than any one political party or candidate. Our campaign will continue until all candidates and parties contesting Limestone Coast seats commit to protecting agricultural land, groundwater, and the regional economy through independent science, transparency, and a precautionary approach.
“We owe it to future generations to get this right. The decisions made now will shape the Limestone Coast for decades to come.”