Monitoring & Studies

Understanding our impacts, improving through evidence

Continuous improvement and transparency are central to the Fingerboards Project. We are undertaking a comprehensive program of technical studies, environmental assessments and monitoring initiatives to understand potential impacts, inform project design, and ensure responsible performance over the life of the project.

Environmental assessment

18 months

Expected timeframe for the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, with multiple opportunities for public submission.

Environmental assessment 

18 months

Expected timeframe for the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, with multiple opportunities for public submission.

Studies Overview

Our aim is to create a model of environmental excellence where the temporary extraction of minerals critical to Australia's renewable future leaves behind permanently enhanced landscapes, protected waterways, and strengthened biodiversity across the project area.

GCM is advancing the 2025 Fingerboards Project with baseline monitoring already underway and a series of technical studies led by independent experts.  

GCM’s baseline monitoring reflects the location-specific and seasonal conditions of the region. The data collection builds on baseline monitoring data that was collected for the 2021 project, with the scope fully reviewed and updated to reflect the new and re-scoped project. 

The monitoring program covers:  weather, air quality and dust, rainwater tank monitoring, surface water flow and quality, groundwater levels and quantity, noise and radiation.   

 The monitoring collection methods include:  

  • Continuous or periodical monitoring for weather, air quality, radiation, and groundwater.
  • Periodical and event-based monitoring for surface water flow and quality, including upstream and downstream monitoring in receiving waters (Mitchell River and Perry River). 
  • Shorter-term or one-off monitoring programs for noise and rainwater tank monitoring.

Technical Studies

A Victorian Government-led process will assess environmental, social, economic and planning aspects of the project.

Extensive studies are now underway across key environmental, technical and social areas. We are providing an overview of these technical study briefs to help community members understand the initial scope of the studies and the range of technical information that will be available. 

The scopes of these studies will be further refined following a public submission process as determined by the Department of Planning.  

Studies list

Live Weather Monitoring

GCM operates two dedicated weather stations across the Fingerboards Project area to monitor local conditions and any variances between locations. One station in the south-west has been operating for several years, while a second was recently installed on the Mitchell River Plateau in response to feedback from local landholders and the community. The data collected from the stations is a key input into the impact assessment work being completed as part of the Environment Effects Statement (EES).

SW of Fingerboards Intersection

Updated 16:47 AEST

Latest readings

Air Temperature 19.7 C
Wind Speed 6.8 km/h
Wind Direction ESE (114°)
Rainfall (daily) 0 mm
Pressure 1,015 hPa
Solar Radiation 157.6 W/m2

Last reading at 16:00, 2026-05-14 AEST

Wind conditions help inform how we manage and monitor airborne material

View data as table
Wind readings

Air temperature at the project site

View data as table
Air Temperature readings

Daily rainfall totals

View data as table
Rainfall readings

Atmospheric pressure can indicate weather changes

View data as table
Atmospheric Pressure readings

Historical data beyond 7 days is available on request. Contact us →

Mitchell River Plateau

Updated 16:47 AEST

Latest readings

Average Air Temperature 17.1 DegC
Minimum 16.8 DegC
Maximum 17.4 DegC
Average Wind Speed 10m 8.2 km/h
Maximum Wind Speed 10m 9.4 km/h
Wind Direction ESE (113°)
Wind Gust 11.8 km/h
Rainfall 0 mm
Pressure 1,017.3 hPa
Average Relative Humidity 65.8 %
Dew Point 10.7 DegC
Solar Radiation 66.3 W/m2

Last reading at 16:40, 2026-05-14 AEST

Wind conditions help inform how we manage and monitor airborne material

View data as table
Wind readings

Air temperature at the project site

View data as table
Average Air Temperature readings

Daily rainfall totals

View data as table
Rainfall readings

Average relative humidity (%)

View data as table
Relative Humidity readings

Atmospheric pressure can indicate weather changes

View data as table
Atmospheric Pressure readings

Historical data beyond 7 days is available on request. Contact us →

Stay informed

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Stay up to date with our developments, public announcements, regular newsletters and any documents we release to the public.

We welcome Regulatory scrutiny

Environment and planning approvals

The Fingerboards Project is subject to a rigorous assessment and approval process under both Victorian and Commonwealth legislation. This ensures all environmental, cultural and community impacts are properly evaluated before any activity begins. If the Government is not satisfied that we can minimise, mitigate and manage impacts – we simply won’t be approved.

Read on

Annual Summary of Quarterly Reports

Our annual report provides an overview of our work to date and how we are progressing towards developing a new project. 

Talk to us

We want to hear from you

We are committed to open engagement and communication. Whether you have a question, a suggestion, or simply want to learn more, we want to hear from you.