On the 2nd April Mac Sand Pty Ltd lodged applications to withdraw both tenements, E70/6408 & E70/6409. The objectors and community are elated and very relieved this matter is close to an end. A celebration of 2 years of hard work will be organised for sometime soon.

To arrive at this point has taken a lot of hard work and determination by a dedicated group, as well as many and varied contributions along the way by many other objectors and community members. A big thank you to everyone involved.

While these may not be the last tenements we have to argue., we have acquired new skills, which will place us in a very good position to challenge any future applications. It has been a steep learning curve, but as a group we have pursued a lot of different, but important aspects, ensuring we had a well rounded approach, and all our eggs were not in one basket..

Some of aspects we have learnt are how to navigate DMIRS and the Warden’s Court process, grasped a basic understanding of the Mining Act, we know who to approach for legal representation, which we initially found incredibly difficult. We also have a much better idea of which expert witnesses may be in a position to assist us. We have also had contact with various people from the City of Albany, and politicians from all sides, as we think this is an apolitical issue.

This area is too valuable to be disrupted and destroyed by mining. The area is dotted with little communities which have become a place for young families to move to. It has priority agricultural lands, set aside to feed the state, and excellent water resources as well as critical habitat for endangered species. It is also a recreation and holiday area for many.

The area must remain mining-free. People need beautiful places to live, work, grow food, holiday and recreate, now, and into the future.