A petition has launched to challenge Currawong Resources’ licence bid to explore the Macedon Ranges for signs of gold.
The Canadian-backed company signalled its intent to explore 280km2 in the Kyneton region and surrounds in September, but a Change.org petition launched last week seeks to shut down that proposal.
The petition had gained more than 170 signatures in its first two days of being active and its creator, Kyneton resident Judy McKay, listed the region’s unique natural environment as her main motivator.
“The Macedon Ranges is a beautiful, relatively unspoiled area, known for beautiful scenery, wildlife, gardens, historic buildings and for being a foodies’ paradise, with outstanding restaurants and wineries across the region,” she said.
“Residents of these areas are naturally distressed by this exploration licence application as, if successful, it will inevitably result in a damaged environment, a loss of amenity for residents and visitors alike.”
An exploration licence will allow Currawong Resources to use geochemistry and geophysics in its initial five-year search including bore water sampling and establishment of a trace element program, which was described as “low impact” work.
While the licence does not entitle the holder to undertake mining, Ms McKay aims to stop the process before further interest develops from the initial testing.
The move is reminiscent of Tom Gleeson’s successful campaign to cease a similar exploration licence for 234km2 of the Romsey, Lancefield and Springfield area last year. The Romsey comedian’s star-power helped a petition gain more than 5000 signatures.
Currawong Resources exploration manager Neil Motton told the Midland Express high-grade gold recently found in Fosterville, just outside of Bendigo, had renewed mining interest for the region and future exploration applications from other companies were likely to emerge.
