Community Benefits
East Gippsland First
Through conversations with East Gippslanders, we are developing a project that works for the local community first.
Through partnerships, and targeted investment, the Fingerboards Project is designed to create lasting regional value.
By underpinning new freight links, supporting local supply chains, and strengthening global connections, the project will help build the kind of generational infrastructure and opportunities that remain in East Gippsland for decades.
Overview
GCM has developed an early community benefit plan, which you can read here.
Now it’s time to talk and test it with the community and put some real detail into the plans to ensure that community voices, ideas, and concerns shape outcomes.
Over coming months, we will be holding workshops to discuss how GCM can best deliver the following benefits to the community.
A generation of jobs
We’re putting East Gippslanders first, prioritising local hires for the more than 300 direct local jobs the project will create for its more than 22-year life.
We’re backing workforce development initiatives too, by partnering with education providers we’re ensuring the next generation have the skills and training pathways that lead to long-term employment opportunities across 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 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.
By supporting new infrastructure in power, water, and transport, the project will help strengthen East Gippsland’s economy for the long term.
Community benefits
We’re working openly with the community at every stage of the project. From our Community Reference Group and Rail Freight Taskforce to regular drop-in sessions, information events, and our Bairnsdale Office, we’re focused on listening and responding.
By protecting cultural heritage, improving local infrastructure, and supporting co-existence with farming and other industries, the Fingerboards Project aims to deliver lasting benefits for local livelihoods, regional growth, and the environment, well beyond mining lifetime.
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 every opportunity created by the Fingerboards Project.
Local & State
Employment and economic benefits
Labor force
~300+
Direct & indirect employment
From local communities, over the approximately 22 year lifetime 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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Our plan
Resource
Early Benefits Sharing Plan
Our Early Benefit Sharing Plan has been co-developed in collaboration with the community to ensure it reflects local priorities, needs, and aspirations.
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.