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.
GCM ON THE ROAD
Engagement Calendar
We are continuing an open dialogue with community members through drop-in sessions, webinars, face-to-face meetings and the recently expanded Community Reference Group (CRG).
Throughout 2026, we will also be offering higher-traffic engagement opportunities to broaden the diversity and reach of our engagement, as well as opportunities to visit the site of the Mining and Rehabilitation Demonstration Pit (MRDP).
Community feedback has already influenced key parts of the revised project design, including reducing the mining footprint, introducing buffer zones, and improving the way local landscapes are protected and restored.
These conversations and interactions will continue to guide our planning for jobs, training, cultural heritage and land use, helping ensure the project contributes to the region’s long-term prosperity and environment.
PFirst 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.
Protecting cultural heritage
GCM acknowledges and respects the deep connection the Gunaikurnai People maintain with the lands and waters of the Fingerboards Project area. Learning from past shortcomings, our redesigned approach centers on genuine dialogue and partnership with GLaWAC.
We recognise that effective cultural heritage protection must extend beyond isolated sites to encompass the broader cultural landscape, including the interconnections between land, water, and traditional travel routes. Our comprehensive cultural heritage assessments now incorporate oral histories and proper recognition of both tangible and intangible heritage values, with particular attention to significant waterways like the Chain of Ponds and Perry River.
Our Cultural Heritage Management Plan is being developed through meaningful consultation with Gunaikurnai representatives, following traditional protocols and respecting GLaWAC’s Whole of Country Plan principles. This collaborative approach ensures cultural heritage considerations are embedded in project design from the outset, with Traditional Owner guidance informing every aspect from buffer zones to rehabilitation strategies.
Stay informed
Stay up to date with our developments, public announcements, regular newsletters and any documents we release to the public.
By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and consent to receive updates from Gippsland Critical Minerals.
COMMUNITY DIVIDEND
Jobs and investment for our region
Labor force
~300+
Direct & indirect employment from local communities
Localised funding
A$300m
Investment in the development of the mine, prioritising local suppliers
Advice from local experts
Gippsland Critical Minerals has established a Community Reference Group (CRG) to help ensure local knowledge and perspectives inform the way the Fingerboards Project is planned and delivered.
Applications Closed
GCM is no longer seeking expressions of interest for two additional members for its Community Reference Group.
We’ll notify you if there are openings and we begin the process of seeking applications again.
Apply Now
The CRG acts as a key advisory body, creating a structured way for the community to share insights, raise issues and provide feedback directly to the project team. This helps shape decisions on topics such as environmental management, rehabilitation, traffic and local benefit.
The group was recently expanded to 16 members to include a broader mix of local voices, strengthening representation from across the community and ensuring a wider range of perspectives are reflected in discussions and project design.
Through regular meetings and open discussion, the CRG provides practical, place-based advice that helps GCM design a project that reflects local priorities and supports positive outcomes for East Gippsland.
Meetings
Scroll right to view more
| Date | Title | Key Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/12/2025 | Fifth Meeting – Q4 | MRDP Work Plan approved 4 December 2025 with construction commencing early 2026. Updated EES self-referral submitted December 2025 awaiting Minister's decision - process includes public comment periods and scoping requirements exhibition. GCM confirmed meeting all Year 3 retention license milestones with sentiment analysis showing 49.8% support. Key concerns raised include flocculant use, shallow aquifer contamination, dust impacts, and mental health impacts from prolonged uncertainty. Working groups proposed across four benefit-sharing pillars with 8-person panels (3 CRG, 4 community, 1 government). CRG meeting frequency reduced to quarterly for 2026 with working groups providing additional engagement opportunities. GCM committed to organising site visits to operational mineral sands mines, proactive mental health support measures, and individual engagement with residents within 2km zone addressing lifestyle and property value concerns. | |
| 17/10/2025 | Fourth Meeting – Q4 | GCM submitted Mining & Rehabilitation Demonstration Pit Work Plan to Resources Victoria and draft self-referral ahead of anticipated EES process. Comprehensive environmental and technical studies now underway including spring ecology surveys, noise monitoring at six locations, surface/groundwater monitoring, air quality equipment redeployed, and radiation background stations established. Appian representatives presented ownership structure and ESG credentials, committing to provide sustainability report and comparable project case studies. Detailed MRDP presentation covered site selection, earthworks sequencing, wet-backfill methodology, subsoil trials, amelioration program, and rehabilitation goals with full bonding. Discussion on dust monitoring, flocculant use, groundwater impacts, and agricultural compatibility post-rehabilitation. Members debated community forum timing - agreement that clear objectives and strong moderation essential if held before MRDP results available. Next meeting scheduled for December 2025 with sub-groups planned and MRDP site visit to be organised for CRG members. | |
| 08/08/2025 | Third Meeting – Q3 | GCM presented mine design progress with focus on rehabilitation surface development, targeting less than 15% exposed area at any time. First draft design completed to commence impact assessment and iterative refinement. Comprehensive environmental and technical studies program outlined covering ecology, groundwater, cultural heritage, visual impacts, air quality, noise, radiation, agriculture and rehabilitation. Baseline monitoring program commenced across weather, air quality, surface and groundwater, noise and radiation parameters. CRG members recommended improving receptor mapping detail, increasing engagement with near neighbors, focusing community grants on local and legacy outcomes, and exploring shared water infrastructure opportunities. Community engagement expanded with 5km resident mailout, virtual showroom launch, and four-pillar benefit sharing framework presented covering cultural heritage protection, local employment and procurement, infrastructure investment, and community vibrancy initiatives. | |
| 13/06/2025 | Second Meeting – Q2 | GCM presented revised mine plans with 27% area reduction and appointed three environmental experts to CRG. Key concerns raised included dust, noise, and outreach to nearby residents. Members reviewed benefit sharing framework, recommending independent governance body and clearer "local" definitions - warning current grants model risks "social license buying" perception. Demonstration pit confirmed for January 2026 with community consultation. Next meeting August 2025 with sub-groups planned for Water, Legacy Planning, Communications and Environmental/Technical focus areas. | |
| 18/03/2025 | Initial Meeting – Q1 | GCM committed to publishing presentation materials and providing written responses to technical queries raised. Next CRG meeting tentatively scheduled for May with focus on detailed mining methodology and scheduled presentation by AECOM. Demonstration pit development confirmed for 2026 with community consultation. CRG composition to be reviewed to include more environmental groups. Community roadshow scheduled for mid-June across Bairnsdale, Lindenow, Sale and Stratford locations. |
Members
Scroll right to view more
| Name | ||
|---|---|---|
|
JM
John Mitchell
Chairperson
|
Chair of the Gippsland Regional Executive Forum | Director, Snoretox Ltd | Director, Sundermann Water Power Ltd | Managing Director, John Mitchell Consulting Pty Ltd |
|
|
AC
Alfred Chown
|
Director Energy Technologies Ltd | Director Bambach Wire and Cables Pty Ltd |
|
|
AS
Andrew Sheridan
|
District Wool Manager and Farmer, Garoogong, Bengworden |
|
|
DR
David Radford
|
Bairnsdale Regional Health Service Board Member |
|
|
GW
Cr Geoff Wells
|
Bairnsdale Regional Health Service Board Member |
|
|
JS
Jillian Stewart
|
Fernbank Resident, Former Forestry Worker |
|
|
JA
John Alexander
|
Lindenow Vegetable Grower |
|
|
JN
Joshua Nelson
|
Lindenow Vegetable Grower |
|
|
LR
Lionel Rose
|
East Gippsland Shire Councillor |
|
|
PR
Peter Robinson
|
GLaWAC Cultural Heritage Officer |
|
|
SP
Simon Padfield
|
Glenaladale Rural Fire Brigade Captain |
|
|
TC
Tess Coverdale
|
Glenaladale Rural Fire Brigade Captain |
|
|
TH
Trevor
Hancock
|
Local Business Owner, Lindenow South |
|
|
VR
Vesna Rendulic
|
East Gippsland Field Naturalists Group Representative |
|
Learn more about our planning and approvals application process
488.7 KB
Referral Form
147.9 KB
Fingerboards EES Amended Procedures and Requirements
1.7 MB
Attachment 1 – Aquatic Habitat Assessment Report
3.8 MB
Attachment 2 – Baseline Report
4.4 MB