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Eden Project sets deadline on Anglesea eco attraction

THE developer behind a proposed world-class eco-tourism attraction at Anglesea has given the Victorian Government until the end of this year to rubber stamp planning approvals or face losing the $150 million investment.

UK-based charity Eden Project wants to transform the 40ha site into “immersive science experiences” focusing on different features of the environment, ecology and sustainability. But the plan is being held back by discussions on water, with the large water body at the former Alcoa mine site estimated to take 50 years to fill naturally.

David Harland, CEO of Eden Project International, spoke at Monday’s community forum in Anglesea and said most of the audience were supportive.

“It is true that the project is currently being held back by discussions on water, which was identified as a major issue earlier this year,” he said. “We, as Eden, have been very clear that this, alongside the planning process, needs to be resolved by the end of this year to maintain momentum and to allow investment decisions to be made. This has not changed.

“However, we recognise the multi-departmental work that is happening with government and are hopeful that this will result in a solution for all parties imminently.”

At the forum on Monday, Warren Sharp, Alcoa’s Anglesea site asset manager said Alcoa was seeking an in-principle agreement from the state regarding a strategy to fill the mine with water as a key enabler for the mine rehabilitation plan and the Eden Project.

Alcoa believes that the strategy for filling the mine should be a combination of surface water — inclusive of the restoration of Salt Creek — groundwater from the Anglesea borefield and recycled water.

The Member for Western Victoria, Stuart Grimley, said he believed a business case had been completed by Barwon Water, which considers the possibility of using the Black Rock Reclamation Facility to pump water into the site.

It is understood that this business case is now with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Without the water being filled, Mr Grimley fears the Eden Project and its investors will look at alternative sites.

A government spokeswoman said the Eden Project has several environmental and planning challenges.

“A critical part of the project is a viable water source to fill the mine void — but it must be one that is sustainable and doesn’t negatively impact local waterways, the environment or critical water supplies for the region,” she said.

Barwon Water announced in August it was preparing the Anglesea borefield to top up water supplies for the Surf Coast, southern Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.