Save Whitsunday Water From Ballymores Dittmer Copper and Gold Mine 48kms Upstream from GBR
The issue
Whats The Issue?
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Ballymore Resources is currently applying for a Copper and Gold Mining LEASE (MLA100351) in Dittmer, Clarke Ranges in The Proserpine State Forest; Whitsundays. This proposed lease is for 15 years.
The primary concerns are that this location is fundamentally unsuitable for a Large scale mining development due to its significant environmental values and its direct connection to downstream water and ecosystems.
Corporate Connections: Whose Mine Is This?
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When assessing any major mining proposal, it's important to look beyond the project itself and consider the corporate governance, financial track record, and the people behind it.
The founder, director and beneficial owner of Ballymore Resources was also an executive director and chair of Bowen Coking Coal, when it entered receivership in August 2025.
Two members of Ballymore's executive leadership served on Bowen Coking Coal's board at that time. In addition, Ballymore's founder is the founder and chair of Coal Australia.
https://thepolitics.com.au/mega-mouth-coal-barons-black-and-blue-all-over/
https://www.bowencokingcoal.com.au/board-and-management/
https://www.bowencokingcoal.com.au/corporate-directory/
https://www.ballymoreresources.com/site/about/corporate-governance
https://ballymoreresources.com/site/about/board-and-management
This presents an interesting contrast. Executives with longstanding ties to the coal industry, and to an organisation that has been critical of renewable energy, are now seeking approval for a critical minerals project which supports the renewable energy transition.
The collapse of Bowen Coking Coal also raised questions about unpaid contractors, government royalty obligations, and environmental rehabilitation commitments. While every company and project should be assessed on its own merits, these matters are relevant when considering the governance, financial capacity, and environmental stewardship of those now proposing a new mine.
The proposal is for a 272-hectare copper and gold mine approximately 48 kilometres upstream of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. At the same time, the proposed environmental rehabilitation security is only approx. $18K.
These facts deserve careful public scrutiny. Communities have every right to ask whether the governance arrangements, financial assurances, and rehabilitation security are adequate to protect landholders, waterways, taxpayers, and the environment if the project does not proceed as planned.
If The compaines claims that coal royalties were responsible for Bowen Coking Coal entering receivership, it is worth asking why another company has since acquired those same mining assets from the administrators. That suggests the assets themselves still held value.
This raises a broader question about whether the company's collapse was simply the result of royalty obligations, or whether governance, financial management, and corporate decision-making also played a significant role. These are reasonable questions for the public to ask when evaluating the track record of those now seeking approval for another major mining project.
https://industryqld.com.au/argo-set-to-unlock-synergies-as-bowen-coking-coal-deal-sealed/
Dittmer Ecological Values:
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The Dittmer area is mapped as core habitat for numerous (MNES) nationally threatened species, including the Greater Glider, Short-beaked Echidna, Northern Quoll, Koala and the endemic Proserpine Rock Wallaby.
The Pink area Below Shows Mapped Core habitat for the Fragmented endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby Colonies at Dittmer and Clarke Ranges.
The Proserpine rock-wallaby Petrogale persephone is listed as 'Endangered' under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-plans/national-recovery-plan-proserpine-rock-wallaby-petrogale-persephone
The proposed mining lease (MLA100351) overlays this critical habitat, and both above-ground and underground mining activities have the potential to cause substantial ecological impacts. Continuous blasting, 24-hour operations, artificial lighting, increased truck movements, traffic, dust and noise are all likely to fragment and disturb existing habitat, reducing its quality and connectivity for threatened wildlife. In addition, if groundwater-dependent ecosystems are affected through changes to groundwater availability, flow paths or water quality, this could further degrade habitat and increase fragmentation across the broader rainforest and State Forest ecosystem. These impacts would not be limited to the listed threatened species but would also affect the many other native plants and animals that rely on this intact and interconnected landscape. The cumulative effect of potential habitat loss, fragmentation and hydrological changes raises serious concerns about the long-term ecological integrity and resilience of this nationally significant environment.
Proserpine Rock Wallaby: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/petrogale-persephone-recovery-plan.pdf
Dittmer And Whats at Stake Should this Mine be approved?
Dittmer and Kelsey Creek (6.6K)(Film credit: Andreas Stamatakakos – Director / Cinematographer / Editor): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1999372561461107
Dittmer Whats At Stake (26K) (Film credit: Andreas Stamatakakos – Director / Cinematographer / Editor): https://www.facebook.com/reel/2047961922795029
Image:Dittmer Kelsey Creek
Further:
Giant Figs In Kelsey Creek Dittmer: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1951398185769935
Beautiful Kelsey Creek: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CLAzFayyh/
Flooding In Kelsey Creek(2K): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1240288028061311
Flooding occurs at Kelsey Creek Bridge every wet season, just 8.9 km downstream of the proposed Dittmer mine. This highlights the highly connected nature of the catchment and underscores why large-scale copper and gold mining operations are inappropriate in such a high-rainfall environment. During intense rainfall events, there is an increased risk of contaminated sediment, waste materials and pollutants being mobilised and transported downstream quickly, posing a significant threat to water quality, aquatic ecosystems and communities that rely on these waterways. To give some idea of this catchment; The Peter Faust Dam/Lake Proserpine when it was constructed was predicted to take 10 years to fill; it filled in the first wet season [6 weeks].
Flood Waters from Clarke Ranges plays a major role in the Highway flooding each year at Goorganga on the Bruce Highway just 48kms downstream.
(Photo Credit Online Media article )
Save Whitsunday Water Reels: https://www.facebook.com/SaveWhitsundayWater/reels/
Kelsey Creek Clarke Ranges (18K): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1614141396133452
Dittmer (7.1K): https://www.facebook.com/reel/658448787112746
Political Interest:
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Larissa Waters Parliment Dittmer (1.4K): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1550048526123971
Dittmer Water Values:
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Dittmer is mapped as containing High Ecological Value (HEV) waters, recognising the recharge Zone as an important and relatively undisturbed headwater system. Protecting these headwaters is critical because they provide clean water, maintain downstream water quality, and support groundwater recharge, aquatic ecosystems, and the long-term security of water supplies for the Whitsundays. Any degradation of these HEV waters through mining activities could have far-reaching consequences for both biodiversity and downstream communities.
How Far is Dittmer Upstream From the Great Barrier Reef Is this Proposed Copper and Gold Mine?
Dittmer is 24Kms inland from Proserpine and by Kelsey Creek 48kms Upstream from the Great Barrier Reef, at Repulse Bay.
Dittmer falls accross two critical water catchments; Proserpine Basin Catchment (Peter Faust Dam/Lake Proserpine drinking water reserve for entire Whitsundays) which is within the Great Barrier Reef Catchment.
The WaterCourse that Runs through Dittmer is called Kelsey Creek. Kelsey Creek Watercourse is set to be included in this proposed Lease and is a headwaters recharge for downstream drinking water bore fields within the Proserpine Basin water catchment.
Kelsey Creek Shown in blue line with arrows showing direction downstream to GBR. Proposed Lease shown in yellow. Historic Dittmer Lease shown in small green box.
Drinking water for the Whitsundays is primarily supplied by the Proserpine River Water Supply Scheme (WSS). The Coastal and Proserpine water supply schemes source water from borefields located adjacent to the Proserpine River. These groundwater borefields are considered to be hydrologically connected to the river, with groundwater levels and river flows closely linked.
Proserpine River WSS: https://www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/393961/whitsunday-rwssa.pdf
Recharge of these borefields is derived from interconnected upstream water systems originating in the surrounding ranges, including the Dittmer In Clarke Ranges, as well as through managed releases from Lake Proserpine. These upstream catchments play a critical role in maintaining groundwater recharge and supporting the Health and reliability of the region's drinking water supply.
Was Dittmer A mine Historically?
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The village of Dittmer was originally established during the Queensland gold rush era and developed as a small mining settlement to support the historic Dittmer Gold Mine. A small community formed around the mine, with miners and their families living and working in the area while the underground gold mine operated. Like many historic mining communities, the settlement was largely abandonded after mining ceased.
Dittmer is a small inland community nestled within the Proserpine State Forest in the Clarke Ranges, just 24 kilometres from Proserpine and around 30 minutes from Airlie Beach, Whitsundays QLD.
Residents rely on rainwater tanks and bore water for their drinking water and everyday household needs. It is a quiet community where people have chosen to live alongside nature in a rainforest environment, surrounded by native forests, creeks, and wildlife.
As this 2019 image shows, there is no visible historic mine dominating the landscape at Dittmer. Instead, it is a peaceful forested community with low-impact homes that have coexisted with the natural environment for decades. That is the landscape and lifestyle people are seeking to protect.
The argument that Dittmer was a gold mine during the gold rush era is not, by itself, a justification for approving a modern mining project in the same location.
What we knew 50, 80, or 100 years ago is vastly different from what we know today. Society once used lead paint in homes, asbestos in buildings, DDT around children, and doctors even recommended cigarettes during pregnancy or prescribed thalidomide for morning sickness. Those practices were accepted at the time because the risks were not fully understood. We don't repeat them today simply because they were once common.
The same principle applies to mining. We now have a far greater understanding of acid mine drainage, heavy metal contamination, groundwater impacts, biodiversity loss, and the long-term consequences that copper and gold mining can have on water, soils, ecosystems, agriculture, and human communities. That knowledge should guide today's decisions.
Arguing that a mine should be approved simply because mining occurred there historically is like arguing we should start using lead paint, asbestos, DDT, or thalidomide again because they were once considered acceptable. History explains what happened in the past; it does not determine what is responsible in the present. Good decisions should be based on today's science, today's environmental standards, and today's understanding of risk—not yesterday's practices.
Image:
Dittmer a small village in the Proserpine State Forest co existing with nature. Note no mine site and infrastructure in sight from Dittmer Historic Mine, just State Forest.
The Dittmer Historic Mine (Ml10341) never included Kelsey Creek. Kelsey Creek runs Beside the Mine lease and beside the communities homes.
Following the initial closure of the mine, new community members purchased freehold land in the Dittmer. The mine briefly reopened during the 1980s under a company called Buddha Gold. In 1985, the CEO of Buddha Gold was jailed for fraud after "salting the assays" by falsely claiming there were economically viable gold deposits at Dittmer in order to inflate the company's value and sell shares. No mining has occurred at Dittmer since 1985. The mine infrastructure has since been removed, collapsed or deteriorated, the underground workings were sealed, and the historic mining lease (ML10341), which covered only two mining blocks, is now inactive and dormant.
Dittmer has a population of approx. 79 bore reliant freehold land residents.
The map below shows Dittmer village beside the inactive defunct Historic Dittmer Gold mine ML10341 (green box- 2 blocks in size).
The yellow outline is the new mine lease Ballymores has applied for MLA100351 -272 Ha.
Ballymore Resources commenced above-ground blasting within the existing historic Dittmer Mine Lease (ML10341) in 2025. According to local residents, no audible warning sirens were sounded prior to the blasts. Residents reported experiencing extremely loud explosive noise, with some stating that the blasts caused their windows, roofs and homes to shake. These incidents raised concerns within the local community about Human Rights, Blasting notification procedures, the impacts of blasting on nearby residents, and the suitability of conducting blasting activities in close proximity to homes and a rural residential community.
Ballymore Resources' Mining Lease Application (MLA) 100351 represents a major expansion of mining Lease size and activities. The proposed mining lease covers 272 hectares, dwarfing the footprint of the historic Dittmer Mine, which occupied only two mining blocks. Despite this significant increase in the Scale and size and scope of the proposed operation, the Department of the Environment (DETSI) has determined that the existing Environmental Authority (EA), which previously applied to the long-defunct and inactive historic mining lease, is sufficient to regulate the new proposal. This decision is concerning because the proposed mining footprint extends well beyond the historic lease area and, for the first time in Dittmer's history, includes the headwaters of Kelsey Creek.
The expanded lease introduces new environmental risks to previously undisturbed areas, including sensitive headwater catchments, groundwater-dependent ecosystems, and nationally significant environmental values that were not encompassed by the historic mining operation. These substantial changes raise questions about whether the existing Environmental Authority remains appropriate for a project of this scale and nature, or whether a new, contemporary environmental assessment and Environmental Authority should be required.
This increase in size as far as Humans Rights; saw DETSI undertake a remote desktop study which was rubber stamped and found no human rights would be impacted by approving this expanded mine lease including Kelsey Creek Water Course.
Many Homes share a boundary with this proposed Lease. If this Lease is approved residents will be prevented from entering the creek in their front and back yards.
It is important to recognise that the historic Dittmer Gold Mine was a relatively small-scale underground operation undertaken more than a century ago under very different environmental standards and with a much smaller footprint than is proposed today. According to Ballymores online predictions -The current proposal is for a modern copper and gold mine, involving substantially larger infrastructure, continuous operations, increased traffic, and much greater potential environmental impacts within a sensitive headwater catchment and threatened species habitat.
Ballymore’s online ASX announcements indicate plans for deep drilling targets of up to 1,000 metres within the historic Mine Lease ML10341, which is located above the Kelsey Creek underground water table regime . This area is hydraulically connected to local aquifers, springs, and broader groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
There are concerns that drilling at these depths could potentially interact with sensitive groundwater systems, including risks of drawdown impacts within fractured rock aquifers and surrounding water tables. There is also concern that drilling fluids, including any flocculants, muds, or polymer additives used during drilling, may pose a risk to groundwater quality or the natural ability of aquifers to transmit and store water.
These concerns extend beyond local water users in Dittmer to include dependent ecosystems within Dittmer and Kelsey Creek and downstream environments that rely on stable groundwater and surface water interactions to sustain ecological function. Given the interconnected nature of these systems, any significant alteration to groundwater conditions could have broader and not yet fully predictable downstream effects.
It is further noted that, based on publicly available information and departmental records, no baseline hydrogeological or groundwater impact assessment has been identified for public review in relation to this drilling program. This absence of accessible baseline data raises concerns about the ability to fully evaluate potential impacts on groundwater systems, environmental values, and long-term water security prior to the progression of deeper drilling activities.
What Is Dittmer Project?
This proposed Lease (MLA100351) is part of Ballymores Much Larger Dittmer Project (513sqkms) covering a large section of the Clarke Ranges.
Clarke Ranges: http://reefcatchments.com.au/files/2014/09/3.1-Clarke-Connors-Range.pdf
Dittmer Project 513sqkms shown with yellow outline surrounding the Historic Mine leases, Dittmer and La De Dah both inactive. Dittmer historic Lease shown with orange arrow.
The Orange Arrow depicts Historic Mine Lease ML10341 at Dittmer. The other small box is Historic Mine Lease ML10340 at La De Dah.
The main Dittmer access road runs parallel with Kelsey Creek, both can be seen in this image, with Kelsey Creek lined with trees.
What Is the Concern with This Lease Being Approved?
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The Main Concerns: Missing Studies
The primary concern is that several fundamental, legislatively required assessment and approval processes appear to be absent, incomplete, or have not been publicly documented for the proposed Dittmer Mine. Ballymore Resources states on its website that it has undertaken all necessary environmental and water studies and submitted these to the relevant government departments.
We had a Right To Information (RTI) Release after Years of Ballymores attempting to block the release - of the Significant Residual Impact Report. This was a remote desktop study for (MSES) matters of State Significance and is very basic rubber stamping. This is the only record we can find of any ecological study. There is no on the ground (MNES) matters of national significance anywhere on any record, and there is no EPBC referal to DCCEEW of this project in nearly 3 years.
Q & A: https://www.ballymoreresources.com/site/projects/dittmer-project/q-a-s
No Water Studies On Departmental record:
The Queensland Departments responsible for mining and environmental regulation have confirmed that they hold no record of baseline groundwater studies or hydrological investigations for the proposed project. This was confirmed by both departments and their respective Directors-General. The Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, also confirmed this position in writing in May 2026.
At the federal level, the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) confirmed that departmental officials had recently spoken with Ballymore Resources and were satisfied the company understood its obligations related to EPBC referal for protected Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES). These include threatened and endangered species in the Dittmer area, downstream wetlands that support migratory species, and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
DCCEEW communications with ballymores about their requirements relating to EPBC Referal for this project: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/79094.pdf
Publicly available records and departmental information have not identified evidence of several key assessments that would ordinarily underpin a proposal of this nature.
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The apparent omissions include:
• No baseline water quality studies.
• No hydrogeological investigations or groundwater studies.
• No Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) undertaken to comprehensively assess the project's environmental risks and impacts.
• No Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) despite the project's location within a highly sensitive ecological and hydrological landscape.
• No Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been undertaken to assess impacts on surrounding communities, water security, local industries, recreation, cultural values, and downstream stakeholders.
• Ballymore Resources has stated that extensive ecological studies have been completed. However, the only ecological assessment that has been located appears to be a remote desktop assessment addressing Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) rather than Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES).
• No referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) has been identified, despite the presence of numerous nationally protected (MNES) threatened species, groundwater-dependent ecosystems, downstream wetlands, migratory species habitat, and the hydrological connection to the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
This last aspect was highlighted in our expert report from Patricia Julian with evidence of " wonky holes" at Repulse Bay, showing freshwater interconnectivity with upstream groundwater.
• An EPBC referral should assess potential impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and provide the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) with the information required to determine whether the proposal constitutes a "controlled action" requiring assessment and approval under the EPBC Act and full EIS studies.
• Collectively, the apparent absence of baseline water studies, hydrogeological investigations, an EIA, EIS, SIA, and an EPBC referral raises significant questions about whether the environmental risks associated with the proposed mine have been adequately identified, assessed, and disclosed before progressing the project through the approvals process.
Dittmer is a headwaters recharge location within a State Forest and has rainforest threatened species and a small community of freehold residents. This mine is an absurd proposal.
Due to Dittmer topography and proximity of this mine site to homes; approval will make Dittmer unlivable for the 79 residents.
NO COMPENSATION IS BEING OFFERED. IN AN AUSTRALIA WIDE HOUSING CRISIS WHERE DO DITTMER RESDIENTS GO? AND WITH WHAT MONEY? AS THEY CANNOT SELL THEIR HOMES WITH THIS MINE SITE THERE.
This is the creek that would be included in the lease exclusing residents from entering. Look how close that is, now imagine drilling, blasting and heavy machinery that close.
Public Oppostion:
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For nearly three years, the Whitsunday Conservation Council, together with multiple environmental organisations and community members, has maintained consistent opposition to the proposal, alongside the Save Whitsunday Water campaign.
WE DO NOT CONSENT TO THIS MINE BEING APPROVED IN THIS LOCATION
We have delayed this project for nearly three years, but continued pressure is needed to ensure it is further delayed and ultimately stopped. We are asking for your support to strengthen community opposition and protect local water and forest systems in the Whitsunday region.
This is not just an issue for the local area: decisions made here could have long-term impacts on water security, groundwater systems, and surrounding ecosystems in a Great Barrier Reef Catchment.
The Whitsunday Conservation Council and the Save Whitsunday Water campaign continue to stand with the community in opposing the proposal and calling for its reassessment or cancellation.
Where it is at now?
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The project remains strongly contested, with significant ongoing community opposition. Save Whitsunday Water has 5,000 members of the public following and participating in this process, and a recent campaign film has reached more than 26,000 views. This proposal is no longer being pushed through without public scrutiny.
There is also continued political and advocacy support opposing the proposal, including from Larissa Waters and Michael Berkman, alongside experienced environmental campaigner Drew Hutton. Broader organisational support continues from groups including Protect the Bush Alliance and Earth Animal Australia, together with strong and sustained opposition from local residents and members of the wider community concerned about impacts on this environmentally sensitive region.
The project has reached the following stage:
1). DETSI approved the first stage of the project by granting a standard-condition Environmental Authority (EA).
2). The Queensland Land Court recommended that the mine be approved. This recommendation was made without baseline groundwater or hydrology studies being before the Court.
3). The final decision now rests with the Department of Resources, Minister Dale Last, and the Department's Director-General.
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Ballymore – Dittmer Project (MLA100351): Current Status (as of 4 July 2026)
No EPBC referral has occurred since July 2023 (EPBC Act).
No Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been required
No Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been required
No Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been required
No baseline water studies are on departmental or public record
No hydrogeological water studies are on departmental or public record
“Claimed” ecological and environmental studies have not been made part of the public record.
Ongoing communications from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have outlined referral obligations for over two years.
Despite this, Ballymore has not submitted an EPBC referral.
surety sits at a low $18K
The proposal has now reached its final stage of government decision-making. The approvals granted to date do not determine the final outcome. The remaining decision-makers have the responsibility of considering all relevant information before making a final determination on whether this mine should proceed. For those following this process, this is the final opportunity for accountability and careful consideration before a decision is made that could have long-term consequences for the Dittmer and downstream community, its water resources, surrounding ecosystems, and downstream environments.
Please Sign and Share this Petition and contact us for more information email@savewhitsundaywater.com Or Visit our website https://www.savewhitsundaywater.com/
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The issue
Whats The Issue?
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Ballymore Resources is currently applying for a Copper and Gold Mining LEASE (MLA100351) in Dittmer, Clarke Ranges in The Proserpine State Forest; Whitsundays. This proposed lease is for 15 years.
The primary concerns are that this location is fundamentally unsuitable for a Large scale mining development due to its significant environmental values and its direct connection to downstream water and ecosystems.
Corporate Connections: Whose Mine Is This?
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When assessing any major mining proposal, it's important to look beyond the project itself and consider the corporate governance, financial track record, and the people behind it.
The founder, director and beneficial owner of Ballymore Resources was also an executive director and chair of Bowen Coking Coal, when it entered receivership in August 2025.
Two members of Ballymore's executive leadership served on Bowen Coking Coal's board at that time. In addition, Ballymore's founder is the founder and chair of Coal Australia.
https://thepolitics.com.au/mega-mouth-coal-barons-black-and-blue-all-over/
https://www.bowencokingcoal.com.au/board-and-management/
https://www.bowencokingcoal.com.au/corporate-directory/
https://www.ballymoreresources.com/site/about/corporate-governance
https://ballymoreresources.com/site/about/board-and-management
This presents an interesting contrast. Executives with longstanding ties to the coal industry, and to an organisation that has been critical of renewable energy, are now seeking approval for a critical minerals project which supports the renewable energy transition.
The collapse of Bowen Coking Coal also raised questions about unpaid contractors, government royalty obligations, and environmental rehabilitation commitments. While every company and project should be assessed on its own merits, these matters are relevant when considering the governance, financial capacity, and environmental stewardship of those now proposing a new mine.
The proposal is for a 272-hectare copper and gold mine approximately 48 kilometres upstream of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. At the same time, the proposed environmental rehabilitation security is only approx. $18K.
These facts deserve careful public scrutiny. Communities have every right to ask whether the governance arrangements, financial assurances, and rehabilitation security are adequate to protect landholders, waterways, taxpayers, and the environment if the project does not proceed as planned.
If The compaines claims that coal royalties were responsible for Bowen Coking Coal entering receivership, it is worth asking why another company has since acquired those same mining assets from the administrators. That suggests the assets themselves still held value.
This raises a broader question about whether the company's collapse was simply the result of royalty obligations, or whether governance, financial management, and corporate decision-making also played a significant role. These are reasonable questions for the public to ask when evaluating the track record of those now seeking approval for another major mining project.
https://industryqld.com.au/argo-set-to-unlock-synergies-as-bowen-coking-coal-deal-sealed/
Dittmer Ecological Values:
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The Dittmer area is mapped as core habitat for numerous (MNES) nationally threatened species, including the Greater Glider, Short-beaked Echidna, Northern Quoll, Koala and the endemic Proserpine Rock Wallaby.
The Pink area Below Shows Mapped Core habitat for the Fragmented endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby Colonies at Dittmer and Clarke Ranges.
The Proserpine rock-wallaby Petrogale persephone is listed as 'Endangered' under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-plans/national-recovery-plan-proserpine-rock-wallaby-petrogale-persephone
The proposed mining lease (MLA100351) overlays this critical habitat, and both above-ground and underground mining activities have the potential to cause substantial ecological impacts. Continuous blasting, 24-hour operations, artificial lighting, increased truck movements, traffic, dust and noise are all likely to fragment and disturb existing habitat, reducing its quality and connectivity for threatened wildlife. In addition, if groundwater-dependent ecosystems are affected through changes to groundwater availability, flow paths or water quality, this could further degrade habitat and increase fragmentation across the broader rainforest and State Forest ecosystem. These impacts would not be limited to the listed threatened species but would also affect the many other native plants and animals that rely on this intact and interconnected landscape. The cumulative effect of potential habitat loss, fragmentation and hydrological changes raises serious concerns about the long-term ecological integrity and resilience of this nationally significant environment.
Proserpine Rock Wallaby: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/petrogale-persephone-recovery-plan.pdf
Dittmer And Whats at Stake Should this Mine be approved?
Dittmer and Kelsey Creek (6.6K)(Film credit: Andreas Stamatakakos – Director / Cinematographer / Editor): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1999372561461107
Dittmer Whats At Stake (26K) (Film credit: Andreas Stamatakakos – Director / Cinematographer / Editor): https://www.facebook.com/reel/2047961922795029
Image:Dittmer Kelsey Creek
Further:
Giant Figs In Kelsey Creek Dittmer: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1951398185769935
Beautiful Kelsey Creek: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CLAzFayyh/
Flooding In Kelsey Creek(2K): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1240288028061311
Flooding occurs at Kelsey Creek Bridge every wet season, just 8.9 km downstream of the proposed Dittmer mine. This highlights the highly connected nature of the catchment and underscores why large-scale copper and gold mining operations are inappropriate in such a high-rainfall environment. During intense rainfall events, there is an increased risk of contaminated sediment, waste materials and pollutants being mobilised and transported downstream quickly, posing a significant threat to water quality, aquatic ecosystems and communities that rely on these waterways. To give some idea of this catchment; The Peter Faust Dam/Lake Proserpine when it was constructed was predicted to take 10 years to fill; it filled in the first wet season [6 weeks].
Flood Waters from Clarke Ranges plays a major role in the Highway flooding each year at Goorganga on the Bruce Highway just 48kms downstream.
(Photo Credit Online Media article )
Save Whitsunday Water Reels: https://www.facebook.com/SaveWhitsundayWater/reels/
Kelsey Creek Clarke Ranges (18K): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1614141396133452
Dittmer (7.1K): https://www.facebook.com/reel/658448787112746
Political Interest:
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Larissa Waters Parliment Dittmer (1.4K): https://www.facebook.com/reel/1550048526123971
Dittmer Water Values:
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Dittmer is mapped as containing High Ecological Value (HEV) waters, recognising the recharge Zone as an important and relatively undisturbed headwater system. Protecting these headwaters is critical because they provide clean water, maintain downstream water quality, and support groundwater recharge, aquatic ecosystems, and the long-term security of water supplies for the Whitsundays. Any degradation of these HEV waters through mining activities could have far-reaching consequences for both biodiversity and downstream communities.
How Far is Dittmer Upstream From the Great Barrier Reef Is this Proposed Copper and Gold Mine?
Dittmer is 24Kms inland from Proserpine and by Kelsey Creek 48kms Upstream from the Great Barrier Reef, at Repulse Bay.
Dittmer falls accross two critical water catchments; Proserpine Basin Catchment (Peter Faust Dam/Lake Proserpine drinking water reserve for entire Whitsundays) which is within the Great Barrier Reef Catchment.
The WaterCourse that Runs through Dittmer is called Kelsey Creek. Kelsey Creek Watercourse is set to be included in this proposed Lease and is a headwaters recharge for downstream drinking water bore fields within the Proserpine Basin water catchment.
Kelsey Creek Shown in blue line with arrows showing direction downstream to GBR. Proposed Lease shown in yellow. Historic Dittmer Lease shown in small green box.
Drinking water for the Whitsundays is primarily supplied by the Proserpine River Water Supply Scheme (WSS). The Coastal and Proserpine water supply schemes source water from borefields located adjacent to the Proserpine River. These groundwater borefields are considered to be hydrologically connected to the river, with groundwater levels and river flows closely linked.
Proserpine River WSS: https://www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/393961/whitsunday-rwssa.pdf
Recharge of these borefields is derived from interconnected upstream water systems originating in the surrounding ranges, including the Dittmer In Clarke Ranges, as well as through managed releases from Lake Proserpine. These upstream catchments play a critical role in maintaining groundwater recharge and supporting the Health and reliability of the region's drinking water supply.
Was Dittmer A mine Historically?
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The village of Dittmer was originally established during the Queensland gold rush era and developed as a small mining settlement to support the historic Dittmer Gold Mine. A small community formed around the mine, with miners and their families living and working in the area while the underground gold mine operated. Like many historic mining communities, the settlement was largely abandonded after mining ceased.
Dittmer is a small inland community nestled within the Proserpine State Forest in the Clarke Ranges, just 24 kilometres from Proserpine and around 30 minutes from Airlie Beach, Whitsundays QLD.
Residents rely on rainwater tanks and bore water for their drinking water and everyday household needs. It is a quiet community where people have chosen to live alongside nature in a rainforest environment, surrounded by native forests, creeks, and wildlife.
As this 2019 image shows, there is no visible historic mine dominating the landscape at Dittmer. Instead, it is a peaceful forested community with low-impact homes that have coexisted with the natural environment for decades. That is the landscape and lifestyle people are seeking to protect.
The argument that Dittmer was a gold mine during the gold rush era is not, by itself, a justification for approving a modern mining project in the same location.
What we knew 50, 80, or 100 years ago is vastly different from what we know today. Society once used lead paint in homes, asbestos in buildings, DDT around children, and doctors even recommended cigarettes during pregnancy or prescribed thalidomide for morning sickness. Those practices were accepted at the time because the risks were not fully understood. We don't repeat them today simply because they were once common.
The same principle applies to mining. We now have a far greater understanding of acid mine drainage, heavy metal contamination, groundwater impacts, biodiversity loss, and the long-term consequences that copper and gold mining can have on water, soils, ecosystems, agriculture, and human communities. That knowledge should guide today's decisions.
Arguing that a mine should be approved simply because mining occurred there historically is like arguing we should start using lead paint, asbestos, DDT, or thalidomide again because they were once considered acceptable. History explains what happened in the past; it does not determine what is responsible in the present. Good decisions should be based on today's science, today's environmental standards, and today's understanding of risk—not yesterday's practices.
Image:
Dittmer a small village in the Proserpine State Forest co existing with nature. Note no mine site and infrastructure in sight from Dittmer Historic Mine, just State Forest.
The Dittmer Historic Mine (Ml10341) never included Kelsey Creek. Kelsey Creek runs Beside the Mine lease and beside the communities homes.
Following the initial closure of the mine, new community members purchased freehold land in the Dittmer. The mine briefly reopened during the 1980s under a company called Buddha Gold. In 1985, the CEO of Buddha Gold was jailed for fraud after "salting the assays" by falsely claiming there were economically viable gold deposits at Dittmer in order to inflate the company's value and sell shares. No mining has occurred at Dittmer since 1985. The mine infrastructure has since been removed, collapsed or deteriorated, the underground workings were sealed, and the historic mining lease (ML10341), which covered only two mining blocks, is now inactive and dormant.
Dittmer has a population of approx. 79 bore reliant freehold land residents.
The map below shows Dittmer village beside the inactive defunct Historic Dittmer Gold mine ML10341 (green box- 2 blocks in size).
The yellow outline is the new mine lease Ballymores has applied for MLA100351 -272 Ha.
Ballymore Resources commenced above-ground blasting within the existing historic Dittmer Mine Lease (ML10341) in 2025. According to local residents, no audible warning sirens were sounded prior to the blasts. Residents reported experiencing extremely loud explosive noise, with some stating that the blasts caused their windows, roofs and homes to shake. These incidents raised concerns within the local community about Human Rights, Blasting notification procedures, the impacts of blasting on nearby residents, and the suitability of conducting blasting activities in close proximity to homes and a rural residential community.
Ballymore Resources' Mining Lease Application (MLA) 100351 represents a major expansion of mining Lease size and activities. The proposed mining lease covers 272 hectares, dwarfing the footprint of the historic Dittmer Mine, which occupied only two mining blocks. Despite this significant increase in the Scale and size and scope of the proposed operation, the Department of the Environment (DETSI) has determined that the existing Environmental Authority (EA), which previously applied to the long-defunct and inactive historic mining lease, is sufficient to regulate the new proposal. This decision is concerning because the proposed mining footprint extends well beyond the historic lease area and, for the first time in Dittmer's history, includes the headwaters of Kelsey Creek.
The expanded lease introduces new environmental risks to previously undisturbed areas, including sensitive headwater catchments, groundwater-dependent ecosystems, and nationally significant environmental values that were not encompassed by the historic mining operation. These substantial changes raise questions about whether the existing Environmental Authority remains appropriate for a project of this scale and nature, or whether a new, contemporary environmental assessment and Environmental Authority should be required.
This increase in size as far as Humans Rights; saw DETSI undertake a remote desktop study which was rubber stamped and found no human rights would be impacted by approving this expanded mine lease including Kelsey Creek Water Course.
Many Homes share a boundary with this proposed Lease. If this Lease is approved residents will be prevented from entering the creek in their front and back yards.
It is important to recognise that the historic Dittmer Gold Mine was a relatively small-scale underground operation undertaken more than a century ago under very different environmental standards and with a much smaller footprint than is proposed today. According to Ballymores online predictions -The current proposal is for a modern copper and gold mine, involving substantially larger infrastructure, continuous operations, increased traffic, and much greater potential environmental impacts within a sensitive headwater catchment and threatened species habitat.
Ballymore’s online ASX announcements indicate plans for deep drilling targets of up to 1,000 metres within the historic Mine Lease ML10341, which is located above the Kelsey Creek underground water table regime . This area is hydraulically connected to local aquifers, springs, and broader groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
There are concerns that drilling at these depths could potentially interact with sensitive groundwater systems, including risks of drawdown impacts within fractured rock aquifers and surrounding water tables. There is also concern that drilling fluids, including any flocculants, muds, or polymer additives used during drilling, may pose a risk to groundwater quality or the natural ability of aquifers to transmit and store water.
These concerns extend beyond local water users in Dittmer to include dependent ecosystems within Dittmer and Kelsey Creek and downstream environments that rely on stable groundwater and surface water interactions to sustain ecological function. Given the interconnected nature of these systems, any significant alteration to groundwater conditions could have broader and not yet fully predictable downstream effects.
It is further noted that, based on publicly available information and departmental records, no baseline hydrogeological or groundwater impact assessment has been identified for public review in relation to this drilling program. This absence of accessible baseline data raises concerns about the ability to fully evaluate potential impacts on groundwater systems, environmental values, and long-term water security prior to the progression of deeper drilling activities.
What Is Dittmer Project?
This proposed Lease (MLA100351) is part of Ballymores Much Larger Dittmer Project (513sqkms) covering a large section of the Clarke Ranges.
Clarke Ranges: http://reefcatchments.com.au/files/2014/09/3.1-Clarke-Connors-Range.pdf
Dittmer Project 513sqkms shown with yellow outline surrounding the Historic Mine leases, Dittmer and La De Dah both inactive. Dittmer historic Lease shown with orange arrow.
The Orange Arrow depicts Historic Mine Lease ML10341 at Dittmer. The other small box is Historic Mine Lease ML10340 at La De Dah.
The main Dittmer access road runs parallel with Kelsey Creek, both can be seen in this image, with Kelsey Creek lined with trees.
What Is the Concern with This Lease Being Approved?
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The Main Concerns: Missing Studies
The primary concern is that several fundamental, legislatively required assessment and approval processes appear to be absent, incomplete, or have not been publicly documented for the proposed Dittmer Mine. Ballymore Resources states on its website that it has undertaken all necessary environmental and water studies and submitted these to the relevant government departments.
We had a Right To Information (RTI) Release after Years of Ballymores attempting to block the release - of the Significant Residual Impact Report. This was a remote desktop study for (MSES) matters of State Significance and is very basic rubber stamping. This is the only record we can find of any ecological study. There is no on the ground (MNES) matters of national significance anywhere on any record, and there is no EPBC referal to DCCEEW of this project in nearly 3 years.
Q & A: https://www.ballymoreresources.com/site/projects/dittmer-project/q-a-s
No Water Studies On Departmental record:
The Queensland Departments responsible for mining and environmental regulation have confirmed that they hold no record of baseline groundwater studies or hydrological investigations for the proposed project. This was confirmed by both departments and their respective Directors-General. The Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, also confirmed this position in writing in May 2026.
At the federal level, the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) confirmed that departmental officials had recently spoken with Ballymore Resources and were satisfied the company understood its obligations related to EPBC referal for protected Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES). These include threatened and endangered species in the Dittmer area, downstream wetlands that support migratory species, and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
DCCEEW communications with ballymores about their requirements relating to EPBC Referal for this project: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/79094.pdf
Publicly available records and departmental information have not identified evidence of several key assessments that would ordinarily underpin a proposal of this nature.
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The apparent omissions include:
• No baseline water quality studies.
• No hydrogeological investigations or groundwater studies.
• No Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) undertaken to comprehensively assess the project's environmental risks and impacts.
• No Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) despite the project's location within a highly sensitive ecological and hydrological landscape.
• No Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been undertaken to assess impacts on surrounding communities, water security, local industries, recreation, cultural values, and downstream stakeholders.
• Ballymore Resources has stated that extensive ecological studies have been completed. However, the only ecological assessment that has been located appears to be a remote desktop assessment addressing Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) rather than Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES).
• No referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) has been identified, despite the presence of numerous nationally protected (MNES) threatened species, groundwater-dependent ecosystems, downstream wetlands, migratory species habitat, and the hydrological connection to the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
This last aspect was highlighted in our expert report from Patricia Julian with evidence of " wonky holes" at Repulse Bay, showing freshwater interconnectivity with upstream groundwater.
• An EPBC referral should assess potential impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and provide the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) with the information required to determine whether the proposal constitutes a "controlled action" requiring assessment and approval under the EPBC Act and full EIS studies.
• Collectively, the apparent absence of baseline water studies, hydrogeological investigations, an EIA, EIS, SIA, and an EPBC referral raises significant questions about whether the environmental risks associated with the proposed mine have been adequately identified, assessed, and disclosed before progressing the project through the approvals process.
Dittmer is a headwaters recharge location within a State Forest and has rainforest threatened species and a small community of freehold residents. This mine is an absurd proposal.
Due to Dittmer topography and proximity of this mine site to homes; approval will make Dittmer unlivable for the 79 residents.
NO COMPENSATION IS BEING OFFERED. IN AN AUSTRALIA WIDE HOUSING CRISIS WHERE DO DITTMER RESDIENTS GO? AND WITH WHAT MONEY? AS THEY CANNOT SELL THEIR HOMES WITH THIS MINE SITE THERE.
This is the creek that would be included in the lease exclusing residents from entering. Look how close that is, now imagine drilling, blasting and heavy machinery that close.
Public Oppostion:
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For nearly three years, the Whitsunday Conservation Council, together with multiple environmental organisations and community members, has maintained consistent opposition to the proposal, alongside the Save Whitsunday Water campaign.
WE DO NOT CONSENT TO THIS MINE BEING APPROVED IN THIS LOCATION
We have delayed this project for nearly three years, but continued pressure is needed to ensure it is further delayed and ultimately stopped. We are asking for your support to strengthen community opposition and protect local water and forest systems in the Whitsunday region.
This is not just an issue for the local area: decisions made here could have long-term impacts on water security, groundwater systems, and surrounding ecosystems in a Great Barrier Reef Catchment.
The Whitsunday Conservation Council and the Save Whitsunday Water campaign continue to stand with the community in opposing the proposal and calling for its reassessment or cancellation.
Where it is at now?
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The project remains strongly contested, with significant ongoing community opposition. Save Whitsunday Water has 5,000 members of the public following and participating in this process, and a recent campaign film has reached more than 26,000 views. This proposal is no longer being pushed through without public scrutiny.
There is also continued political and advocacy support opposing the proposal, including from Larissa Waters and Michael Berkman, alongside experienced environmental campaigner Drew Hutton. Broader organisational support continues from groups including Protect the Bush Alliance and Earth Animal Australia, together with strong and sustained opposition from local residents and members of the wider community concerned about impacts on this environmentally sensitive region.
The project has reached the following stage:
1). DETSI approved the first stage of the project by granting a standard-condition Environmental Authority (EA).
2). The Queensland Land Court recommended that the mine be approved. This recommendation was made without baseline groundwater or hydrology studies being before the Court.
3). The final decision now rests with the Department of Resources, Minister Dale Last, and the Department's Director-General.
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Ballymore – Dittmer Project (MLA100351): Current Status (as of 4 July 2026)
No EPBC referral has occurred since July 2023 (EPBC Act).
No Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been required
No Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been required
No Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been required
No baseline water studies are on departmental or public record
No hydrogeological water studies are on departmental or public record
“Claimed” ecological and environmental studies have not been made part of the public record.
Ongoing communications from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have outlined referral obligations for over two years.
Despite this, Ballymore has not submitted an EPBC referral.
surety sits at a low $18K
The proposal has now reached its final stage of government decision-making. The approvals granted to date do not determine the final outcome. The remaining decision-makers have the responsibility of considering all relevant information before making a final determination on whether this mine should proceed. For those following this process, this is the final opportunity for accountability and careful consideration before a decision is made that could have long-term consequences for the Dittmer and downstream community, its water resources, surrounding ecosystems, and downstream environments.
Please Sign and Share this Petition and contact us for more information email@savewhitsundaywater.com Or Visit our website https://www.savewhitsundaywater.com/
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Petition created on 18 March 2024