The South Australian Supreme Court has dismissed Terramin’s judicial review of the Government’s decision to reject applications related to their proposed underground Bird in Hand gold mine at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills – and the government’s proclamation over the relevant area protecting it from future mining applications.
The decision is a major relief for neighbouring wineries Bird in Hand and Petaluma who were worried about pollution and groundwater contamination.
“In February 2023, I decided to reject Terramin’s applications under the Mining Act related to their proposed Bird in Hand Gold Mine in the Adelaide Hills,” Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said.
“I was not willing to risk established local industries against the opportunity a short-term mine may have provided to the state.
“The Liberal Opposition has consistently criticised my decision and made clear they would have supported a short-term mine and put at risk surrounding established businesses.
“I’ve always stood by my decision and the fact that proper process was followed, which has been reflected in the decision of the Supreme Court today to dismiss the judicial review application.
“The area of the proposed mine is home to a world-class viticulture industry, producing some of Australia’s best-loved wines.
“Now that the court has upheld the Government’s decision, I suspect Adelaide Hills businesses are breathing a sigh of relief.”
Member for Kavel Dan Cregan said, “I believe future generations will come to see this decision as unquestionably the right one.
“My community remains concerned that a future Minister under a different government would approve this mine.
“Proposed underground blasting through a fractured rock aquifer close to the township of Woodside raises many risks.
“The aquifer supplies water to iconic state industries in the Hills, including world-class wine and tourism businesses.”
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