$150 million eco-tourism attraction evaluates best way forward

EDEN Project Anglesea has issued a statement indicating it is evaluating the best way forward for the $150 million eco-tourism attraction, proposed for the site of the former Alcoa coal mine.

“The Eden Project is currently in the process of evaluating the best way forward for the proposed project in Anglesea and we remain enthusiastic about its potential,” the statement read.

“We recognise the excellent work that has been done until now by Alcoa, particularly during the years when Covid prevented us from travelling, and aim to formulate a plan for the next stages of the project which puts the community at its heart.

“The Alcoa pumping test was successfully completed during 2021 and no adverse impacts were identified on groundwater dependent ecosystems, including the Anglesea River or other users.

“The test was scientifically rigorous and the data and results were provided to the community monthly.”

State government agencies oversaw testing throughout the process.

Surf Coast Shire Councillor Mike Bodsworth expressed reservations about the project’s reception among locals and the lack of information available.

“It’s important for Alcoa to keep the local community as updated as possible,” Cr Bodsworth said.

“There are many people in Anglesea and nearby towns who are wondering what’s going on.

“A lot of time has gone past since the Eden representatives were in Anglesea.”

Cr Bodsworth visited the Eden Project in Cornwall – which is also on the site of a disused mine – at his own expense to gain insights into the Angelsea proposal.

“I am wary of it and not convinced of the need,” he said.

“Anglesea already has a strong visitor economy without any large-scale tourist attractions.

“Whether it involves Eden Project or not isn’t the primary issue. The real question is whether a large-scale tourist attraction is beneficial for Anglesea, and I am not convinced that it is.”

An Eden spokesperson said the charity hopes to provide further updates later this year.