Community Engagement
Transparency and Collaboration
Gippsland Critical Minerals is developing the Fingerboards Project with the people of East Gippsland. We’re listening, sharing information and shaping the project through open, respectful engagement. You can read more about our approach to community engagement in our Community Engagement Plan.
Community Benefits
GCM has developed an early Community Benefit Sharing Plan which explores how the Fingerboards Project can deliver long-term benefits for East Gippsland.
We’re now working with the community to put real detail into the plan and shape how the following benefits are delivered in practice.
A generation of jobs
We’re putting East Gippslanders first, prioritising local employment opportunties across a workforce of around 400 full-time equivalent (FTE) roles during construction and around 300 ongoing operational roles.
GCM is also partnering with education providers to ensure the next generation of East Gippslanders have the skills and training pathways that lead to long-term and sustainable employment opportunities in the region.
Economic benefits
The Fingerboards Project represents a $300 million investment, contributing around $90 million each year to Victoria’s economy through wages, local procurement, and operations.
Over the more than 22-year life of the project, it is expected to generate an estimated $180 million in royalties to the State, supporting crucial public investment in the schools, hospitals, and regional services that matter most to Victorians.
Infrastructure benefits
We’re working with the community to help deliver lasting infrastructure benefits that support local livelihoods and regional growth beyond the life of the mine.
This includes new rail infrastructure, developed with the Rail Freight Taskforce, to help re-establish regular freight services between East Gippsland, Melbourne and Geelong, as well as exploring opportunities to support improved community water infrastructure with local stakeholders.
Business benefits
We’re backing a stronger local economy through a Gippsland-first procurement policy that prioritises local businesses.
Our upcoming Jobs and Procurement Plan will outline how suppliers can get involved, with a clear process for registration and engagement. Designed to build regional capability, it will help ensure East Gippsland is well placed to benefit from opportunities created by the Fingerboards Project.
First Nations
First Nations Partnership & Benefits
Gippsland Critical Minerals acknowledges the Gunaikurnai People as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Fingerboards Project is located, and pays respect to Elders past and present.
GCM is committed to recognising and protecting First Nations cultural heritage through meaningful consultation with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC). We welcome the inclusion of cultural values, knowledge and perspectives in project planning and decision-making, ensuring these continue to inform how the project is designed and delivered.
This includes consideration of both tangible and intangible values, such as cultural landscapes, waterways and travel routes, consistent with the principles of the Gunaikurnai Whole of Country Plan. GCM will continue to work with GLaWAC to ensure First Nations cultural heritage is recognised, protected and respected, while also supporting opportunities for employment, training and business participation for Gunaikurnai People.
Employment & business opportunities
Local jobs and local supply chains
Our approach
Embedding local employment and procurement as core business principles, with structured programs to develop the capabilities needed for meaningful participation by East Gippsland residents and businesses.
Tangible outcomes
~300 local jobs with career progression opportunities, millions in annual procurement directed to regional suppliers, enhanced business capabilities serving multiple industries, and long-term skills development that outlasts the project itself. Creating economic multipliers that strengthen the entire regional economy.
Local & State
Employment and economic benefits
Labor force
~300+
Direct & indirect employment
From local communities, over the operations phase of the project.
Localised funding
$300m
Development investment
Project development investment with significant local economic flow-on effects.
State royalties
$180m
Lifetime contribution
Estimated royalty payments strengthening Victoria’s capital foundations.
Economic boost
$90m
Annual contribution
Annual contribution to Victoria’s economy through operations, wages, and supply chain.
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