The Southern Cross Gold (SXG) Community Reference Group (CRG) has now completed its first full year of operation. The CRG brings together local residents and SXG representatives to foster constructive and transparent dialogue around exploration activities at Clonbinane.

CRG Purpose and Participation

The CRG serves as an advisory body, not a decision-making one. It provides a space for community voices to be heard, questions to be raised, and updates to be shared.

Meetings are held quarterly and follow the Chatham House Rule to encourage open discussion.

Current members represent Clonbinane, Broadford, and Wandong with interests across environment, heritage, safety, and wellbeing.

A number of positions remain open – interested community members are encouraged to apply.

Key Topics Discussed

Exploration Tunnel and Future Planning

• SXG shared plans for an exploration tunnel, which will allow underground drilling and reduce surface noise and disruption. The tunnel will operate 24/7 and is expected to take 6–9 months to complete if approved.
• Stockpiles of material will be managed to minimise environmental and visual impact.  Revegetation activities will be undertaken.  A dam will store runoff.  
• The tunnel may ultimately be part of a mine if the project progresses. If not, it will be rehabilitated. The Victorian Government will determine financial bonds to ensure rehabilitation is completed.
• SXG is using electric drill rigs and Komatsu technology to minimise pollution and blasting impacts.
• Traffic impacts will be reduced by bussing staff to and from the site.

Environmental Monitoring

• Noise and water monitoring continue across the site.
• Ecological surveys have identified sensitive Yellow Box Grassy Woodland areas, which will be avoided.  A range of methods are being used to monitor and track fauna, including DNA testing.
• A major blackberry removal project begun with $56,000 allocated for 2025.
• Sunday Creek’s health remains a key concern. A biodiversity session with Landcare expert Chris Pollock is planned for the June 2025 CRG meeting.

Cultural Heritage

• SXG is collaborating with a historian to catalogue historic sites and has engaged the Taungurung Land and Waters Council for a heritage mapping project. A site of cultural significance has been confirmed and will be protected.

Land Use and Planning

• Clonbinane Park is now owned by SXG. Conservation efforts and potential carbon offset initiatives are underway. Community members have requested transparency on future land use.

Traffic and Road Safety

• A traffic management plan is in development. SXG vehicles are GPS-tracked and traffic volumes are being managed.
• A community statement on road use and future planning is being developed to address concerns, particularly on Clonbinane Road.

Antimony and Public Education

• Community concerns around antimony have been discussed. A CRG discussion session is planned to enable greater exploration of the issue and address community questions.

Community Engagement

• SXG has expanded communications with:
  • Regular letterbox newsletters
  • A new email newsletter list
  • Community pop-ups and one-on-one engagement
  • A community grants program supporting groups like the CFA, SEED Project, and Love in Action
  • Photos of CRG members and a dedicated email address (CRG@southerncrossgold.com.au) have been added to SXG’s website to increase transparency and enable the broader community to engage with the CRG.

Stay Connected

Residents are encouraged to:

• Reach out to the CRG with questions or concerns via CRG@southerncrossgold.com.au
• Visit the SXG website for newsletters and meeting summaries
• Sign up for email updates and participate in upcoming drop-in sessions