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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Burnsy on July 05, 2014, 10:15:28 AM

Title: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: Burnsy on July 05, 2014, 10:15:28 AM
The proposed mining of the Helena Aurora Ranges including Bungalbin Hill is currently open for 7 day comment. Pretty much the whole lot will be turned into a pit if this mining proposal is allowed to proceed and you definitely won't be allowed access into what is now a great 4wd destination.  Below is an excerpt from my submission, make up your own mind what category you think it should be in but you can see what I think, this project would be for the benefit of a few to the detrament to us all.

 

Go here to submit a comment, you only have till tomorrow to comment on this. Please make the effort.

 

https://consultation.epa.wa.gov.au/seven-day-comment-on-referrals/j5-and-bungalbin-east-iron-ore-project
 

Below is an excerpt from my submission, make up your own mind what category you think it should be in but you can see what I think, but feel free to copy this if you struggle with words. This project would be for the benefit of a few to the detrament to us all.

 

5 Preferred option for decision by the EPA

Assess - API category B (environmentally unacceptable)

6 What are the reasons for your preferred option for decision of the EPA?

Reasons:

The Helena Aurora ranges are a significant ecosystem that should be protected for the enjoyment of the wider community. This is not a development of state

significance which would have long term benefits that would out weigh the conservation value of the area.


Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: Burnsy on July 05, 2014, 10:20:54 AM
If you don't know what the Helena Aurora ranges are check this out.
 

http://helenaaurorarange.com.au/ (http://helenaaurorarange.com.au/)


This was our trip last year, would hate to this it was our last chance to check the area out.
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: Burnsy on July 05, 2014, 10:21:49 AM
And more
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: scubasteve on July 05, 2014, 10:52:21 AM
Submitted my 2 cent's worth . Look's too good to wreck that area.
Cheers
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: rossm on July 05, 2014, 01:42:13 PM
Thanks Burnsy for drawing this to my attention.

Have done as you suggested.

Not been out that way but a few years ago spoke to some (then) DEC people who had been working in the area.

They said it was pretty special and your pictures back that up.

Sadly, history suggests miners will get their way.

Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: dno on July 05, 2014, 02:35:25 PM
Worthy cause, done.
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: cetacean on July 05, 2014, 02:41:48 PM
Done, good job Burnsy.
It's on our list of places to check out one day

Cheers Darryl
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: bok1 on July 05, 2014, 06:04:22 PM
Thx for the link.done as well.

Phil
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: RallyDog on July 06, 2014, 08:11:50 AM
Done .Top job Burnsy I was born in southern cross there was some good camping area's around kooly but now the mines have taken it all over they won't let you in tryd takeing me wife out to marrda dam nup where we once got yabbis no more not allowed in.
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: Burnsy on July 06, 2014, 04:42:34 PM

Please also add your name and support to the Conservation Council of WA submission.  If everyone on myswag took the time to sign the online submission it would be an unprecidented response to conserving an area that does not have the warm cuddly animal brigade up in arms.

http://ccwa.org.au/EPAGWW (http://ccwa.org.au/EPAGWW)
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: albany_nomads on July 07, 2014, 09:36:16 PM
Done...... as with many parts of our environment
"Its Greatest Value is just being There"  ....so hands off please
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: Gazza00 on June 29, 2017, 05:56:56 PM
It has taken a while, but it looks like a decision has been made by the EPA
Hopefully feed back from all who took time to submit objections were taken into account

https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/iron-ore-developments-rejected-environmental-reasons/ (https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/iron-ore-developments-rejected-environmental-reasons/)
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: rossm on June 29, 2017, 07:30:22 PM
This is good news but just the first step.

We wait to see whether the new Labor Government has the balls to stare down the iron ore miners.


If they don't there will be some big protests from the environmental movement.

I visited this area last October and it is a beautiful place.

The amount of iron ore there is the equivalent of what is shipped out of the Pilbara in about three months so any suggestion that mining Helena Aurora is vital to the WA economy is fanciful at best.     
 
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: sharkcaver on June 29, 2017, 08:44:58 PM
It is a beautiful place, yes, but more importantly it supports a rare and fragile flora and fauna habitat.

I'm nowhere near a greenie, but conservation of special places does need to take place. To me, this is one of them. Don't let meat curtain Mclaren know I said this ;)

This is the second EPA review. It was rejected the first time when Burnsy wrote this post. This time around it has been rejected again. 5 new rare species of plant and one unique to the area mineral has been discovered by the review and that is why they have deemed it environmentally unacceptable.

The new labor Govt should not only have the balls to stare down the mineral council, but do as they originally proposed back in 2004 (then rescinded). It should be made a National Park.
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: Gazza00 on November 25, 2017, 07:28:56 PM
Good news

https://www.perthnow.com.au/business/mining/environment-minister-blocks-plans-to-mine-ancient-range-ng-b88671263z (https://www.perthnow.com.au/business/mining/environment-minister-blocks-plans-to-mine-ancient-range-ng-b88671263z)
Title: Re: Helena Aurora Ranges Mining Proposa -l EPA submissions open
Post by: rossm on December 21, 2017, 07:43:25 PM
Even better news. The WA Government has announced today the mine will not be approved and the process will be started to make the area an A-class reserve or  national park (reports are confusing)  and protect it forever. Something that was recommended decades ago. 

This is the final knock back. There is no appeal.

I doubted that the McGowan Labor government had the ticker to stare down the all powerful iron-ore lobby but they did.

It's a great win for many people in the conservation movement who have been fighting to preserve this region for many years.