Former minister to head up consultation

FORMER State Government Minister Iain Evans will lead formal consultation on AR3’s Koppamurra Project with his appointment as Chair of the Community Consultative Committee.

Mr Evans has extensive leadership experience in the public and private sectors spanning three decades. He was a Member of Parliament, serving as a Government Minister and Leader of the Opposition.

Mr Evans has run small and family businesses and also served as Chair and non-Executive Director on numerous Boards.

The Community Consultative Committee (CCC) will formalise consultation on the Koppamurra Project between AR3 and key representatives of the community. It replaces the previous Koppamurra Landholder Reference Group (KLRG) which operated from September 2022 to April this year.

The Chair is initially tasked with writing the Terms of Reference which will outline the structure, membership and operating procedures for the CCC. The Chair will facilitate committee meetings, how members of the community can submit questions and the reporting of meeting outcomes.

Mr Evans is in charge of appointing committee members and ensuring they adhere to a Code of Conduct.

“This is a pivotal time for communities in the South East as AR3 takes the next steps towards applying for a mining licence. The CCC is the formal avenue for communication and discussion between AR3 and key representatives of the community,” said Mr Evans.

“I am looking forward to facilitating open, respectful and informative consultation with committee members. Information and updates will be shared with the CCC and concerns addressed as AR3 progresses its environmental, social, economic and feasibility studies.”

AR3 Managing Director Travis Beinke said Mr Evans’ appointment as an independent Chair was an important next step as AR3 moves towards undertaking a prefeasibility study.

“The CCC provides a formalised opportunity for AR3 to provide information and updates on our investigations as well as take questions and hear concerns from representatives of the community,” said Mr Beinke.

“We believe mining and agriculture can operate alongside each other with mutual benefits to the community. We want to create sustainable jobs and investments through another revenue stream in the South East for generations to come.

“The CCC is an ideal platform for us to show key community representatives the strict processes and regulations we are governed by as we move through each step of the mining application process.”

Recruitment for the Chair was conducted by a diverse Select Committee with representation from AR3, the Department for Energy and Mining, the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, the Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association, forestry, local council and landholders within the proposed Mining Lease.

The nationwide search attracted a strong field of applicants from Government, mining, farming, viticulture and emergency services.

Limestone Coast Landscape Board General Manager Steve Bourne was a member of the Select Committee and said Mr Evans’ appointment sets a solid foundation for the CCC’s future success.

“The Select Committee is confident Mr Evans will ensure there is constructive discussion throughout this formalised consultative process. He will be an outstanding conduit between key community representatives and AR3,” said Mr Bourne.

Mr Evans anticipates the recruitment process for committee members will commence next month.