A group of fathers from the coastal town of Anglesea have turned to music to amplify their community's fight against a controversial mining proposal. They have recorded and released a protest anthem aimed squarely at Alcoa's plans to pump groundwater from the area's aquifer.
A Musical Stand for Water Security
The song, a heartfelt and defiant folk-rock track, was born from deep-seated concerns about the future of the town's water supply. The dads, who are part of the broader community group Anglesea River Action, decided that a song could capture the public's attention in a way traditional submissions might not.
Their fears centre on a proposal by Alcoa, which ceased mining at its Anglesea site in 2015. The company is seeking regulatory approval to extract up to one billion litres of groundwater annually from the Anglesea Borefield. Alcoa states this water is intended for industrial use, potentially including its nearby Portland aluminium smelter, and has argued the plan is sustainable.
However, residents and environmental scientists are not convinced. They worry that large-scale extraction could lower the water table, with potentially devastating consequences. The health of the Anglesea River and its surrounding wetlands, which are home to iconic river red gums and vital ecosystems, is a primary concern. A lower water table could see these ancient trees and the habitats they support begin to die off.
Community Fears and Corporate Assurance
The protest anthem gives voice to these anxieties, framing the struggle as a fight to protect the town's natural heritage for future generations. The lyrics directly challenge the logic of the plan and appeal for the protection of local water resources.
This creative protest comes as the community awaits a crucial decision from the Victorian government. The Minister for Water is currently considering submissions on a 30-year licence application from Alcoa for the groundwater take. The community's campaign, now bolstered by its musical theme song, is applying significant pressure on the government to reject the application.
In response to the concerns, Alcoa has maintained that its groundwater management plan is scientifically sound. The company has stated that its monitoring and modelling show the proposed extraction would have a minimal impact on surrounding users and the environment. They emphasise their long history in the region and commitment to responsible operations.
A Unifying Voice for Local Action
Regardless of the corporate assurances, the Anglesea dads and their supporters see the issue in starkly different terms. For them, it is a clear-cut case of protecting a precious public resource from industrial use. The song has become a rallying point, unifying the community and drawing wider media attention to their cause.
The release of the anthem marks a new phase in a long-running local environmental battle. It demonstrates how grassroots campaigns are employing innovative methods to engage the public and influence political decisions. The fate of the Anglesea groundwater now rests in the hands of state regulators, but they will have to consider the powerful chorus of opposition, now set to music, echoing from the Surf Coast.
