SOMR Update March 2024

Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro
Staff members from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) discussed SOMR submission

Gravel Extraction in the Riverbed
SOMR has lodged a suspicious activity report with NRAR – the NSW Natural Resources Access Regulator

Hillgrove Mine
New owners are planning to built a new tailings dam

Armidale Regional Council Area Water Use
Concern about water use in the Upper Macleay Catchment is increasing

Kempsey Shire Council Tree Policy
A group advising Councillors on a Tree Policy has been established

The Rights of Rivers
Riparian Protection is a step leading towards the Macleay River being declared a “legal living entity”.

SOMR Information Forum postponed to 7 August

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SOMR Update January 2024

In January 2013, more than 100 Macleay Valley residents gathered at the Bellbrook Hotel to find out about the water contamination from antimony mines in the catchment. Soon after, SOMR was formed and incorporated. Ever since, the group has focussed on issues of contamination from past and present mining as well as other impacts on the economic, health and recreational lives of communities down-stream. In pursuing this focus, SOMR has forged links with various Government, research, legislative and industry bodies and has become a reasoned voice keeping the community informed.

11 years on, the most relevant issues are

  • Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro
  • Hillgrove Mine
  • Upper Catchment – New England and Armidale Regional Council area
  • Gravel Extraction at Turners Flat
  • SOMR Information Forum in March 2024
  • Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers

For more details click here