More than 83 percent of East Gippslanders say that Australia should be more self-reliant in producing its own resources and more than 64 percent said it is important for critical minerals projects to proceed in regional areas, when appropriate safeguards are in place.

The results are from an independent survey of more than 700 East Gippslanders conducted by Redbridge in November, which also found that support for the Fingerboards project is holding steady on May numbers at 44 percent, with a further 21 percent neutral.

“Locals have told us they want Australians to benefit from Australian resources and as one of only two critical minerals projects in Victoria with no Chinese ownership or offtake partners, GCM is uniquely placed.”

Michelle Wood

More than 30 percent of people said their support or opposition to the project is based on their assessment of environment and community impacts, 17.4 percent on jobs and 16.7 percent on how the site would be operated and rehabilitated.

“It is encouraging to see support for the project remain steady as we have ramped up our activities. This recognises the strength of our engagement work and of the genuine changes we have made to improve the project’s environmental safeguards,” said Wood.

Led by Redbridge, one of Australia’s leading public sentiment researchers, community sentiment has been tracked throughout 2025 and will continue through 2026.

RedBridge Director Kos Samaras said the November results showed locals are prioritising tangible economic outcomes, with job creation among the strongest drivers of support.

“The polling makes one thing clear, East Gippslanders assess major projects through work and opportunity, alongside environmental responsibility. This is a region focussed on jobs and support for ensuring Victorians benefit from Victorian resources.”

Kos Samaras

These findings reinforce what GCM has consistently heard this year across community.

“Polls come and go. What matters is we’re delivering the jobs and business opportunities our region needs, while protecting everything that makes this place special,” said GCM Community and Stakeholder Lead Mick Harrington.

“With the Demo Pit approved we’re already getting on with it, appointing Whelans and starting work with more local businesses soon.

“We’ve already had constructive conversations with those in agriculture and horticulture, and we’ll continue those constructive conversations as our detailed studies progress.”

Summary of November findings

  • Support for the project remains steady at 44% – the same as it was in May 2025. 21 percent are neutral.
  • More than 30 percent of people said their support or opposition to the project is based on their assessment of environment and community impacts. 17.4 percent on jobs and 16.7 percent on how the site would be operated and rehabilitated.
  • 83 percent of East Gippslanders think Australia should be more self-reliant in the production of its critical minerals resources
  • 73 percent of East Gippslanders believing that it’s important for Australia to develop new critical minerals projects.
  • 64 percent said it is important for these projects to proceed in regional areas, when appropriate safeguards are in place.

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