Major Naracoorte forum on 4 November 2026 to unite residents, parliamentarians and campaigners as region prepares to respond to AR3’s mining application.
The Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association is calling on the community to unite in defence of the region’s future, with a major public forum to be held in Naracoorte on Wednesday 4 November 2026, ahead of AR3’s anticipated mining licence application.
With growing concern about the potential impacts of rare earth mining on the region’s agricultural industries, groundwater resources, environment and communities, the forum will bring together parliamentarians, experts, community leaders and campaigners to examine the proposal and prepare a coordinated community response.
Hosted by Association chair Todd Woodard, the event will provide the latest information on AR3’s proposed mining development, present evidence on the potential risks and impacts, and outline how residents can influence the assessment and approvals process.
Mr Woodard said the forum represented an important opportunity for the community to come together, understand what was at stake and ensure its concerns could not be ignored.
“The Limestone Coast is one of Australia’s greatest agricultural regions that feeds and builds the nation with its food and fibre resources. We cannot afford to be complacent about proposals that could have lasting consequences for our land, water and communities,” Mr Woodard said.
“This is a critical time for our region. We need people to understand what is being proposed, examine the evidence and recognise the power of a united community voice. We are calling on residents, landholders, businesses and community leaders to stand together and make it clear that the future of the Limestone Coast matters.”
The forum will feature contributions from key parliamentarians and subject-matter experts, with a focus on the scientific evidence, potential environmental and agricultural impacts, regulatory processes and the opportunities available for community participation.
All local parliamentarians have been invited to participate, with elected local government representatives also confirmed to attend. The event will also feature representatives from the Across Victoria Alliance, who will share insights from their cross-border campaign against rare earth mining and renewable energy infrastructure developments.
The Alliance recently staged a rally in Melbourne’s Spring Street to launch its ‘Shut the Door’ state election campaign, attracting national media attention and demonstrating the growing political profile of regional communities challenging major development proposals.
Mr Woodard said the experiences of communities across the border reinforced the importance of informed, organised and sustained community advocacy.
“What we are seeing across regional Australia is that communities are increasingly demanding a genuine say in decisions that could fundamentally change their landscapes, industries and way of life,” he said.
“The Limestone Coast deserves nothing less. We need transparency, independent evidence and proper scrutiny of the potential impacts of rare earth mining before decisions are made that could affect this region for generations.”
Mr Woodard said a key objective of the forum was to ensure residents were equipped with credible information and a clear understanding of their rights and opportunities to participate in the approvals process.
“People should not have to be scientists, lawyers or mining experts to understand what is being proposed in their own backyard. They deserve clear answers about the potential impacts on groundwater, agricultural production, the environment and the long-term prosperity of our region. To date, that impact remains staggeringly unclear,” he said.
“This is not simply about one mining application. It is about the future we want for the Limestone Coast, the industries and natural assets we value, and the legacy we leave for future generations.”
The Association will use the forum to outline practical steps residents can take to engage with decision-makers, participate in the formal assessment process and contribute to a coordinated community response.
Mr Woodard encouraged people from across the Limestone Coast to attend, regardless of whether they had previously been involved in discussions about the project.
“The strength of our response will depend on the strength of our community’s involvement,” he said.
“We want to see the Naracoorte Town Hall filled with people who care about this region and want to have a say in its future. Come along, hear the evidence, ask the difficult questions and find out how you can make your voice count.”
Community Forum
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Venue: Naracoorte Town Hall
Hosted by: Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association
The forum will include:
- The latest update on AR3’s proposed rare earth mining development and anticipated mining application.
- Evidence-based presentations examining potential impacts on groundwater, agriculture, the environment and regional communities.
- Contributions from parliamentarians, subject-matter experts and local government representatives.
- Insights from the Across Victoria Alliance’s cross-border community campaign.
- Information about the mining assessment and approvals process.
- Opportunities to ask questions and participate in a coordinated community response.