Monitoring & Studies
Understanding our impacts, improving through evidence
Continuous improvement and transparency are central to the Fingerboards Project. We are undertaking a comprehensive program of technical studies, environmental assessments and monitoring initiatives to understand potential impacts, inform project design, and ensure responsible performance over the life of the project.
Land recovery
2-3 yrs
Return to agricultural use after mining – land can recover quickly when proper soil reconstruction and revegetation techniques are applied
Land Recovery
2-3 yrs
Return to agricultural use after mining – land can recover quickly when proper soil reconstruction and revegetation techniques are applied
Studies Overview
Our aim is to create a model of environmental excellence where the temporary extraction of minerals critical to Australia's renewable future leaves behind permanently enhanced landscapes, protected waterways, and strengthened biodiversity across the project area.
GCM is advancing the 2025 Fingerboards Project with baseline monitoring already underway and a series of technical studies led by independent experts.
GCM’s baseline monitoring reflects the location-specific and seasonal conditions of the region. The data collection builds on baseline monitoring data that was collected for the 2021 project, with the scope fully reviewed and updated to reflect the new and re-scoped project.
The monitoring program covers: weather, air quality and dust, rainwater tank monitoring, surface water flow and quality, groundwater levels and quantity, noise and radiation.
The monitoring collection methods include:
- Continuous or periodical monitoring for weather, air quality, radiation, and groundwater.
- Periodical and event-based monitoring for surface water flow and quality, including upstream and downstream monitoring in receiving waters (Mitchell River and Perry River).
- Shorter-term or one-off monitoring programs for noise and rainwater tank monitoring.
Technical Studies
A Victorian Government-led process will assess environmental, social, economic and planning aspects of the project.
Studies list
Air Quality
Assessment of air quality impacts and dust emission management.
PDF (111 KB)
Land and Visual
Assessment and mitigation of impacts to visual amenity.
Water Aquisition
Systematic evaluation of potential water source options.
PDF (137 KB)
Noise & Vibration
Monitoring and management of noise and vibration from project activities.
PDF (112 KB)
Agricultural and Horticultural
Assessment of potential impacts on the local agriculture and horticulture industry.
Surface Water
Management and monitoring of surface water resources and quality.
PDF (105 KB)
Radiation
Assessment of naturally occurring radioactive materials and management protocols.
PDF (106 KB)
Social Impact
Assessment of potential effects on community wellbeing, lifestyle, and local social cohesion.
PDF (104 KB)
Ecology
Evaluation of impacts on native vegetation, flora and fauna, and ecological communities.
PDF (111 KB)
Extensive studies are now underway across key environmental, technical and social areas. These investigations, led by independent experts including AECOM, will be peer reviewed and publicly shared as they are completed.
We are providing an overview of these technical study briefs to help community members understand the initial scope of the studies and the range of technical information that will be available. Additional studies will be added as the process continues to ensure all relevant matters are thoroughly examined.
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We welcome Regulatory scrutiny
Environment and planning approvals
The Fingerboards Project is subject to a rigorous assessment and approval process under both Victorian and Commonwealth legislation. This ensures all environmental, cultural and community impacts are properly evaluated before any activity begins. If the Government is not satisfied that we can minimise, mitigate and manage impacts – we simply won’t be approved.
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
Attachment 3 – Figures and Plates
Read on
Our annual report provides an overview of our work to date and how we are progressing towards developing a new project.
Talk to us
We are committed to open engagement and communication. Whether you have a question, a suggestion, or simply want to learn more, we want to hear from you.