COASTAL EDEN Elements and the right spirit could see $150m eco-tourism project built at Anglesea mine site

ALCOA and an international environmental charity are holding community consultation sessions next week about plans for a world-class ecotourism project at the Anglesea mine site.

Following an approach from Alcoa, The Eden Project, most famous for the Cornwall Eden Project, has come up with an elemental concept for the site, which will focus on earth, wind, fire and water.

The proposed Eden concept will use approximately 40 hectares of the rehabilitated mine site and sit next to the lake formed  after the mine fills with water.

Eden Project International chief executive officer David Harland said his company had been approached by local politicians and community groups up to nine times over the past three or four years to consider a project for the site, but the approaches were rebuffed for two reasons: the organisations and people making the approaches didn’t control the land, and Eden didn’t want to have responsibility for rehabilitating the mine.

He said it was only when Alcoa contacted them about 18 months ago and “we found out that actually they had a really good mine rehabilitation plan in place” that his organisation began to consider it.

“But this is really about Alcoa having been on the site for 50 odd years,” Mr Harland said.

“They really genuinely want to leave well and they want to leave some sort of lasting legacy for the community… something that drives the economy and drives the community and doesn’t harm the environment.”

Set within the landscape of the Anglesea Heath, Eden’s concept showcases a vision to transform an area within the former coal mine into a destination for immersive education and experiences that celebrate the local ecology and tell a story of sustainability.

Mr Harland said the project could bring environmental, social and economic regeneration to Anglesea and the wider region, but wouldn’t replicate the Cornwall project, which features huge biodomes – intricate domed glasshouses that contain “the largest rainforest in captivity” – at the bottom of the rehabilitated china clay quarry at the site.

“We tend not to do copies. We’re not interested in redoing Eden.

“(For Anglesea), we’ve envisioned a place of extraordinary experiences, fusing science and wonder to immerse visitors in the extreme elements – fire, air, earth and water.

“This concept will be a global exemplar of sustainability and environmental excellence.”

He said initial projections showed the project would support at least 300 fulltime jobs and attract thousands of new visitors to Anglesea.

Plans include space for restaurants and high-quality retail but not accommodation.

The estimated cost of the project is approximately $150 million.

Director Asset Planning and Management of Alcoa John Osborne said Alcoa was proud to work with Eden.

“This exciting concept brings to life the guiding principles Alcoa developed in partnership with the Anglesea community in 2016 to shape the transformation of the former mine site.”

Eden and Alcoa will share further details about the concept during community drop-in sessions to be held on Monday May 27, 2pm to 4.30pm, Anglesea Memorial Hall; and Saturday June 1, 11.30am to 2pm, Anglesea Memorial Hall.

Feedback can also be provided at www.edenprojectanglesea.com.au.