Anglesea, and the broader Surf Coast region, deserves a future that respects its unique ecology, values its water security, and honours the voice of its community and the interests of generations to come. We recognise that groundwater plays a significant role in supporting the health of the Anglesea River catchment. 

We, the undersigned, call on Southern Rural Water and the Victorian Minister for Water to deny Alcoa’s application to allow the extraction of groundwater for 10 years from the Upper Eastern View Formation (UEVF) for the purpose of filling the decommissioned Anglesea mine pit.

Alcoa’s proposed plan, which would extract up to 15 gigalitres over a ten-year period, provides no benefit to the community and poses serious and unacceptable risks to the health of the Anglesea River; and the ecological, economic and community values of Anglesea and the surrounding Surf Coast region.

Our objections are grounded in the following serious concerns:

1. Serious Harm to Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems, including the Anglesea River
   
   Alcoa’s historical pumping of groundwater is a major contributor to both ongoing river and wetlands acidity and significant reduction in flows. Acidification has led to several fish kill events within the Anglesea River. Low flows are also fundamentally changing estuary function. The estuary mouth sand bank is growing and the lack of flow is reducing natural openings which are an important part of a healthy estuary system. 
   
   Now, Alcoa are proposing to resume groundwater pumping for the purpose of expediting their rehabilitation obligations. We understand that, if allowed, this will only delay the long-term recovery of the Anglesea River, and risks lasting and irreversible damage to interconnected ecosystems within the catchment. 
   
   It is important to note that water extraction is identified as a very high threat to Wadawurrung Country and culture in Paleert Tjaara Dja (Wadawurrung Country Plan 2020 - 2030).
   

2. A Toxic Legacy
   
   ALCOA wants to fill the old mine pit with Anglesea’s groundwater, and has not committed to ensuring this water body will be safe for swimming, recreational use, or able to support a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The filled mine pit will likely have the same acidity levels of lemon. Why rush to fill the old mine pit with precious groundwater, only to be handed back an unusable acid lake? Why not let the pit fill naturally over time. Current projections indicate this might take 40 years, but we would prefer to see a slower, less extraction alternative being pursued. 
   

3. Undermining our Resilience to Climate Change
   
   Groundwater has a critical role in sustaining the functioning of natural ecosystems during periods of drought, and underpins the health of our wetlands, rivers, and estuaries.
   
   As we begin to experience the effects of climate change, increased water insecurity and regional water shortages are to be expected. Instead of seeking to pump more groundwater for the purpose of expediting their rehabilitation plans, Alcoa should instead be allowing groundwater levels to recover from decades of extraction. 
   
   Approving this application would set a dangerous precedent, allocating precious public water to a private company to remediate its own environmental legacy, rather than serving community or ecological interests. Responsible water stewardship must prioritise future needs, sustainable use, and ecosystem and social resilience.
   
   We believe alternative rehabilitation approaches must be pursued.