Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) will host its second Ask the Expert session, giving East Gippslanders another opportunity to put questions directly to specialists working on the proposed Fingerboards Critical Minerals Project.
Community members can meet specialists in groundwater, soils, rehabilitation, agriculture and horticulture to hear about their work and ask questions, with the event running from 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, 10 December at The Hub in Bairnsdale.
The Mining and Rehabilitation Demonstration Pit (MRDP) team will also be represented on the night, with an expert providing updates about what’s been completed, the milestones reached and what’s next for the rehabilitation trials.
Everyone is welcome, whatever their views on the project. Community members can speak directly with specialists about the topics that matter to them, raise any concerns and get accurate, up-to-date information about the proposed project in a safe and welcoming environment.
GCM East Gippsland Community and Stakeholder Lead Mick Harrington said the sessions were about helping Gippslanders find detailed information, understand the impact and talk through their questions.
“There’s a lot to understand about the project, and sometimes the most helpful thing is to sit down with someone and have a conversation,” Mick said.
“We want locals to feel comfortable coming along, whether they have a specific question, something they’re concerned about or simply want to learn more. Our team will be there to welcome you and help you connect with the right specialist.”
Mick Harrington
Experts scheduled to participate in this round include:
- Soils and rehabilitation: Rod Masters, SLR
- Agriculture and horticulture: Roop Sandhu, AgriQulture
- Groundwater: Bryan Chadwick, AECOM
- Mining and Rehabilitation Demonstration Pit: Loretta Fallaw, Grounded Resources
Alongside the specialist sessions, members of the GCM team will also be available to speak with jobseekers and local businesses about employment and procurement opportunities for the proposed Fingerboards Critical Minerals Project.
GCM Project Director Technical Stefan Wolmarans said the sessions would connect the community with the people undertaking the project’s technical and environmental work.
“People have told us they want to put their questions directly to the experts assessing the project. These sessions give them the chance to do that and hear firsthand how the studies are being done.”
“Our specialists are assessing the project’s potential impacts across 17 areas. These sessions give the community another chance to speak with specialists about what they’re studying, how they’re doing the work and how their findings will inform the Environment Effects Statement,” Stefan said.
“We’ve also had an incredibly positive response from the business community and locals looking for jobs and contracts, so we’ll also have our procurement team available to meet with and talk through the type of opportunities available and the timing.”
For anyone who can’t make it to Bairnsdale in person, GCM will also host an online Ask the Experts session from 2 pm to 3 pm on Wednesday, 2 December.
“We know people have work, family and other things to fit into their day, so we’re offering more than one way to join the conversation,” Mick said.
“Whether you come down to The Hub or join us online, we look forward to hearing from you.”
Community members are encouraged to register online for either event. Walk-ins are also welcome at The Hub.
EVENT DETAILS
- In person: From 5 pm till 7 pm, Thursday 10 December 2026, The Hub, 27 Dalmahoy Street, Bairnsdale.
- Webinar: 2 pm to 3 pm, Wednesday 2 December 2026
Register at gippslandcriticalminerals.com/ask-the-expert For more information, contact contactus@gippslandcriticalminerals.com or call 1800 791 396.
