“Mine Field” is a feature length documentary about how a farming community in East Gippsland fought a mining company and won. The film was produced by investigative journalist Peter Vaughn and follows an epic battle by farmers near Bairnsdale to stop a radioactive mineral sand mine. The film also examines the negative effect of mining on three other rural communities and warns that mine regulation is failing while the government promotes mining across the state.
Much of Central Victoria is subject to mining exploration licences making the area a prime target for mining companies wishing to take advantage of new technologies to harvest remaining gold resources.
But there are parallels with the local campaign against the Western Renewables Link project which proposes high-voltage transmission lines through the heart of Hepburn Shire. So the film is especially relevant to our area.
The Alliance for Responsible Mining Regulation is an alliance of community groups across Victoria, including several located in central Victoria, concerned about the lack of separation between the licensing and regulatory roles of Earth Resources (ERR). This conflict has led to persistent regulatory failure and has caused significant and long-term harm to Victorian communities, local economies, and the environment. It has also unnecessarily and unfairly left Victorian taxpayers with massive financial burdens associated with mine rehabilitation and the reparation of watercourses and landforms. The Alliance is currently developing a 10 point plan designed to bring Victoria’s mining regulations in line with world’s best practice. Several member groups of the Alliance will be present at the film screening.
The film will be screened at 7pm on Saturday the 8th of October at Yandoit Cultural, Uniting Church Road (off High Street), Yandoit. Entry by donation.
Related stories:
