'Any effect would be devastating': Locals fight back as company announces plans for their hometown
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Australians take pride in the picturesque landscapes and breezy shores.
Yet, in a coastal town with a laid-back lifestyle, a David and Goliath battle has been brewing.
Residents of Broome, Western Australia, have been girding themselves for a fight against an industrial giant's ambitions.
Perth-based Outwest Resources recently had its sights set on the region's natural resources.
Outwest Resources, established just last year, has been exploring the potential for mining conglomerate, ironstone, and sandstone,
These components are key in the production of concrete.
The company lodged applications for two prospecting licences and two miscellaneous permits.
If granted, this plan would allow them to distort up to 500 tonnes of material from the ground.
The company's proposal to prospect for sandstone and ironstone over a 250-hectare area on Broome's outskirts sparked a wave of concern among locals.
The two suburbs within the project's firing line, Coconut Well and 12 Mile, have been home to residents who cherish their tranquil environment, self-sufficient water supply, and the beauty of their surroundings.
The prospect of mining operations close to home united the community in opposition.
Coconut Well resident Phil Oakden voiced his concerns about the potential destruction of the area.
'It's virgin bushland, surrounded by conservation park,' Mr Oakden said.
'It's a significant portion of land, and the project would make a serious impact not just on this area but potentially also on Broome.'
'This is also too close to Broome town's own water supply,' Mr Oakden added.
The fear of water contamination, along with the anticipated dust, noise, and habitat loss, prompted twenty households to band together, ready to fund legal action through the Mining Warden's Court.
Just a short distance away, the rural area of 12 Mile also shared similar apprehensions.
Residents in the area rely on bore water and live off the grid, without mains power.
The proposed mining area could also encroach on the rear of residential blocks, an outdoor learning area for North Regional TAFE, and a plantation of native fruit trees.
Lesley Morris, a local vegetable grower, stressed the catastrophic consequences of contamination.
'Any effect on our water would be devastating because that is our drinking water and we grow crops,' Ms Morris shared.
Despite the financial burden of lodging objections and legal fees, Ms Morris and her partner continue to stand firm.
A recent community meeting saw residents rally together as they voiced their concerns and support for the cause.
The lack of transparency from Outwest Resources fuelled the residents' determination.
Many learned of the mining plans by chance rather than through formal channels, which led to criticism of the company's communication efforts.
Director Morris insisted that there was no intention to build a mine, drill into the water table, or construct a concrete batching plant at Coconut Well.
He added that any plans for prospecting would have a 'low impact'.
Yet, the residents of Broome are prepared to defend their homes, their environment, and their way of life against a possible industrial threat.
The Broome community established a GoFundMe campaign for a Legal Trust Fund here.
Have you ever taken a stand to protect your local area? What do you think of the Broome locals' efforts in defending their town? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Yet, in a coastal town with a laid-back lifestyle, a David and Goliath battle has been brewing.
Residents of Broome, Western Australia, have been girding themselves for a fight against an industrial giant's ambitions.
Perth-based Outwest Resources recently had its sights set on the region's natural resources.
Outwest Resources, established just last year, has been exploring the potential for mining conglomerate, ironstone, and sandstone,
These components are key in the production of concrete.
Residents have established a GoFundMe campaign for the legal costs of their planned legal action. Image Credit: Facebook/Phil Oakden
The company lodged applications for two prospecting licences and two miscellaneous permits.
If granted, this plan would allow them to distort up to 500 tonnes of material from the ground.
The company's proposal to prospect for sandstone and ironstone over a 250-hectare area on Broome's outskirts sparked a wave of concern among locals.
The two suburbs within the project's firing line, Coconut Well and 12 Mile, have been home to residents who cherish their tranquil environment, self-sufficient water supply, and the beauty of their surroundings.
The prospect of mining operations close to home united the community in opposition.
Coconut Well resident Phil Oakden voiced his concerns about the potential destruction of the area.
'It's virgin bushland, surrounded by conservation park,' Mr Oakden said.
'It's a significant portion of land, and the project would make a serious impact not just on this area but potentially also on Broome.'
'This is also too close to Broome town's own water supply,' Mr Oakden added.
The fear of water contamination, along with the anticipated dust, noise, and habitat loss, prompted twenty households to band together, ready to fund legal action through the Mining Warden's Court.
Just a short distance away, the rural area of 12 Mile also shared similar apprehensions.
Residents in the area rely on bore water and live off the grid, without mains power.
The proposed mining area could also encroach on the rear of residential blocks, an outdoor learning area for North Regional TAFE, and a plantation of native fruit trees.
Lesley Morris, a local vegetable grower, stressed the catastrophic consequences of contamination.
'Any effect on our water would be devastating because that is our drinking water and we grow crops,' Ms Morris shared.
Despite the financial burden of lodging objections and legal fees, Ms Morris and her partner continue to stand firm.
A recent community meeting saw residents rally together as they voiced their concerns and support for the cause.
The lack of transparency from Outwest Resources fuelled the residents' determination.
Many learned of the mining plans by chance rather than through formal channels, which led to criticism of the company's communication efforts.
In response to the uproar, Outwest Resources' Executive Director, Jamie Morris (not related to Ms Morris), issued a statement to quell fears.Director Morris insisted that there was no intention to build a mine, drill into the water table, or construct a concrete batching plant at Coconut Well.
He added that any plans for prospecting would have a 'low impact'.
Yet, the residents of Broome are prepared to defend their homes, their environment, and their way of life against a possible industrial threat.
The Broome community established a GoFundMe campaign for a Legal Trust Fund here.
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