Can the community ask for changes to a mine design?
Quote from Community Member on 9 December 2025, 3:44 pmDisclaimer: This post is a demonstration of our ‘Collaborative Conversations’ Forum. The information provided is based on examples of conversations our experts have had.
We saw the plans for a new tailings dam and it’s close to where our kids play sport. Can we actually ask the company to change that?
Disclaimer: This post is a demonstration of our ‘Collaborative Conversations’ Forum. The information provided is based on examples of conversations our experts have had.
We saw the plans for a new tailings dam and it’s close to where our kids play sport. Can we actually ask the company to change that?
Quote from Expert on 9 December 2025, 3:46 pmYes, you can, and there’s precedent. In Queensland and NSW, companies have changed their project designs following community input during the environmental impact assessment (including social impact assessment) process.
For example, during the Residual Void Project, stakeholders raised concerns about water impacts and visual intrusion. As a result, the company revised Options to incorporate community feedback and address concerns around flood risk and water contamination. This was possible because:
- The community engagement and social impact assessment used flyovers and visual tools that made the plans understandable
- Local knowledge was respected
- Feedback was channelled into design options
So yes, speak up. You can:
- Provide a written submission
- Ask for visualisations or flyover models to assess impacts
- Request a risk workshop that includes community participants
Would you like help organising a local info session or preparing a joint statement?
Yes, you can, and there’s precedent. In Queensland and NSW, companies have changed their project designs following community input during the environmental impact assessment (including social impact assessment) process.
For example, during the Residual Void Project, stakeholders raised concerns about water impacts and visual intrusion. As a result, the company revised Options to incorporate community feedback and address concerns around flood risk and water contamination. This was possible because:
- The community engagement and social impact assessment used flyovers and visual tools that made the plans understandable
- Local knowledge was respected
- Feedback was channelled into design options
So yes, speak up. You can:
- Provide a written submission
- Ask for visualisations or flyover models to assess impacts
- Request a risk workshop that includes community participants
Would you like help organising a local info session or preparing a joint statement?
Quote from Community Member on 9 December 2025, 3:47 pmYes. They just showed us drawings on a wall. We couldn’t really interpret them.
Yes. They just showed us drawings on a wall. We couldn’t really interpret them.
Quote from Expert on 9 December 2025, 3:47 pmThat’s common, and not acceptable. Under Queensland’s guideline, engagement materials must be accessible and tailored. I’d recommend writing to request a site visit or a 3D digital model or similar.
That’s common, and not acceptable. Under Queensland’s guideline, engagement materials must be accessible and tailored. I’d recommend writing to request a site visit or a 3D digital model or similar.