Media release – Mine Watch Meander Valley Inc, 6 November 2025
ENVIRONMENTAL WATCHDOG SEEKS TO SILENCE COMMUNITY VOICE
Tasmania’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has appealed to the state’s Supreme Court to stop a group of concerned residents appealing a potentially destructive bauxite mine in Reedy Marsh, a rural and residential district near Deloraine, in the state’s Tribunal.
The group, Mine Watch Meander Valley Inc (MWMV), was granted permission to be part of the appeal by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TasCAT) which is currently hearing the case between multiple parties including the company behind the mine, ABx Group Ltd, and the Meander Valley Council.
However, the Tribunal proceeding is now on hold as the EPA claims the TasCat senior member who made the decision to allow the group to enter the case is wrong and MWMV should not be allowed to be part of the process.
MWMV convenor Leigh Wasserfall was stunned by the action.
“We are a grass roots group of local volunteers speaking out against a project which threatens our environment, our homes and our families,” he said.
“We are tourism operators, artists, farmers, small business owners, parents and locals who love where we live and want it protected.
We have used all the accepted legal avenues available to us and paid for these from our own personal funds and community donations.
“Now we are being told by the very organisation charged with safeguarding the environment for all Tasmanians that we have no say in what happens in our own backyard.
“In my opinion the Supreme Court appeal is trying to silence heartfelt, informed and community conscious people and treating us as if we were the threat, instead of people who are fighting for their environment and futures.
“Why is the EPA, whose remit is to protect the environment, pursuing the option of attacking the credibility of TasCAT and attempting to prevent a community organisation from having a seat in the room?
“It is utterly outrageous and we have to ask what does the EPA have to hide?
These are hardly the actions of an organisation confident in its processes and embracing transparency. We can only assume they are trying to send a message to any groups who dare to consider similar action.
“Well we have our own message … we are here to stay.”
The Supreme Court appeal has not yet been given a hearing date but is expected early next year.
Mine Watch Meander Valley Inc. is a community-driven campaign initially formed to stand against ABx’s bauxite mining proposal, which threatens the natural environment, our farmlands and unique local industries. Beyond their initial proposal, ABx has been extensively drilling in an important local Conservation Area and native forest lands declaring their intention to mine Heavy Metals. They and other companies have extensive leases across the Valley. These projects risk irreversible damage to the environment, our lands, waterways and would damage our way of life. We’re united in protecting our future. https://minewatchmeandervalley.org/
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