Protect Bendigo’s Residential Bushland: Say No to Mining Exploration
Bendigo’s eastern corridor — from Longlea to Strathfieldsaye — is a unique and cherished place to live. Our community is surrounded by native bushland, thriving ecosystems and peaceful residential neighbourhoods. This landscape is not only beautiful; it is environmentally significant. Much of the area sits within an Environmental Protection Area, home to native plants, wildlife and forest systems that require long‑term protection.
Today, this environment — and our way of life — is under threat.
Mining Exploration Does Not Belong in Residential Bendigo
Mining companies are seeking to explore land throughout our community, despite the fact that this is a residential and semi‑rural area, not an industrial zone. Exploration activities bring unavoidable and harmful impacts, including:
Noise pollution from drilling and machinery
Dust and air contamination affecting homes, schools and wildlife
Heavy vehicle traffic on local roads not designed for industrial use
Risk of chemical exposure from exploration processes
These risks fall on local families, while profits flow elsewhere. Bendigo residents would be left to deal with long‑term environmental damage, reduced liveability and the loss of the natural spaces we value.
We’ve Already Seen the Consequences
The Fosterville mine has been associated with increased seismic activity and pollution concerns around Axedale. Despite community reports and growing unease, meaningful action from authorities has been limited. This raises serious questions about how future mining proposals would be monitored — and whether community safety would be prioritised.
No Social Licence. No Community Support. No Mining in Bendigo.
Our message is clear:
Mining companies are not welcome to explore or operate in Bendigo’s residential and rural‑residential areas.
They do not have community consent, and they do not have a social licence.
Residents choose to live here because of the bushland, the peace, the wildlife and the strong sense of community. Mining exploration threatens all of this.
A Call for Leadership and Protection
We are calling on elected representatives and local authorities to take immediate, decisive action to:
Protect residential areas from mining exploration
Uphold the integrity of Environmental Protection Areas
Prioritise community wellbeing over corporate interests
Ensure a sustainable, healthy future for all Bendigo residents
Our community deserves strong leadership that stands with residents — not mining companies.
