The Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association has unanimously re-elected its committee at its Annual General Meeting, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the region’s prime agricultural land, groundwater and communities from the proposed Koppamurra rare earth mining project.
Wrattonbully farmer Todd Woodard was re-elected as Chair alongside Ben Munro as Vice Chair, Georgia Gill as Secretary, Bruce Wood as Treasurer, and Dee Nolan as Executive Officer. They are joined on the committee by Stuart Shand, Mandy Brown, Huck Shepherd, Margie Porter, Joe Schultz, and Stephen Craig.
Mr Woodard said the Association had achieved significant progress over the past 12 months, building widespread support across local government, industry and the broader community, but stressed that the coming year would be pivotal.
“While we have made enormous strides in raising awareness and ensuring decision-makers understand what is at stake, the next 12 months will be critical,” Mr Woodard said.
“AR3 continues to advance its project and has indicated it intends to seek a mining lease later this year. Our role is to ensure the community’s voice is heard, the science is properly scrutinised, and decision-makers fully understand the long-term implications for one of Australia’s most valuable and productive agricultural regions.”
Over the past year, the Association has successfully secured unanimous support from the Limestone Coast Local Government Association and all six member councils, working proactively on the #SaveOurSoils advocacy campaign.
Committee members also met extensively with Members of Parliament, state election candidates, State Government ministers, senior departmental officials and regional leaders to advocate for greater transparency, stronger environmental assessment and improved landscape protections via review of the Mining Act.
Mr Woodard said these achievements reflected the dedication of the hardworking volunteer committee and the growing support from across the Limestone Coast.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the backing we’ve received from local councils, industry, community members and regional leaders who recognise the importance of this campaign,” Mr Woodard said.
“As we travel across the Limestone Coast, it’s inspiring to see so many #SaveOurSoils corflutes displayed proudly on farm fence lines, in front yards and in local shopfronts. Every sign represents someone who cares about protecting our region from this growing threat.
“To everyone who has invested in a corflute and is proudly showing their support for our campaign – thank you. Your support helps build awareness, starts important conversations and demonstrates the strength of our campaign to key decision makers.”
Looking ahead, the Association has adopted an ambitious work program, including a focus on a renewed strategic vision. The year’s priorities will focus on strengthening community membership, sourcing more independent technical advice, continuing engagement with government and ensuring the community remains informed as the project progresses through regulatory process.
“The campaign is entering a new phase and we are rallying our supporter base,” Mr Woodard said.
“We need to continue building our membership base and fundraising so we can access independent expertise in groundwater, soils, agriculture, economics and environmental science. Our community deserves decisions that are informed by robust evidence.
“The decisions made over the coming year will shape this region for generations. We intend to ensure the interests of our community remain at the centre of those decisions. We will be campaigning louder than ever.”
To learn more about the Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association, or to support the campaign, visit www.limestonecoastsustainablefutures.com.au