Hear directly from legal, scientific, cultural, and environmental experts on the serious risks posed by the rapid expansion of mineral mining exploration in the region.

The Clarence Catchment Alliance (CCA), in partnership with the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) and local community groups, will deliver a four-day Regional Roadshow of free public forums.

These events respond directly to the sharp increase in Exploration Licences (ELs) and licence applications, now totalling 44, across the Clarence Catchment, placing our drinking water and vital river systems at risk.

The events will travel to Copmanhurst, Grafton, Drake and Dorrigo from Saturday 26 to Tuesday 29 July, delivering region-specific information, live presentations, and community discussions in collaboration with local environmental, community and cultural groups.

These events will offer a safe, caring space for our community to unite, raise concerns, ask questions, and feel supported. We are stronger together, and by learning the facts and our rights, we become empowered to protect what matters most.

The Grafton event provides an opportunity to learn from the full panel of speakers in an auditorium setting, and space for community to unite to protect our water. This event will also be LIVE broadcast and include a Q&A. Links for broadcast to be announced.

EACH EVENT WILL FEATURE:

• A concise regional overview from the CCA on what’s being targeted, where exploration is occurring, and why the Clarence Catchment is fundamentally unsuitable for mineral mining

• A legal presentation by the Environmental Defenders Office, covering landholder rights, exploration licence processes, access requirements, and what communities can do to respond

• Mapping of licence areas and affected communities

• Talks from guest speakers across scientific, cultural, environmental and industry perspectives

• Community discussion, Q&A, and opportunities to connect and act locally

“This is about all of us caring for Country, looking after each other, and standing together, We invite everyone to come along, have a yarn, learn something new, connect with others, and feel supported. It’s a time to share knowledge and ask questions, and we hope that helps everyone feel more empowered to protect the places, and people we love. We truly look forward to seeing everyone there.”

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Across the 4 events speakers will vary. Grafton is on the 27th so please see the list below for those in attendance.

Belinda Rayment - 26th-29th
Environmental Defenders Office
- Will discuss landholder rights, exploration licence processes, access requirements, and how projects impacting threatened species may be referred under national environmental law.
Shae Fleming - 26th-29th
Clarence Catchment Alliance
- Will deliver a region-wide overview of ELs and exploration activity, campaign progress, and what’s next for community action to protect the Clarence Catchment.
Dr. Stuart Rowland - 26th & 27th
Eastern Freshwater Cod Specialist
- Will speak about the endangered Eastern Freshwater Cod and the irreversible harm mining could cause to this iconic river species.
Geoff Jones - 26th & 27th
NSW Farmers Association - Grafton branch
- Will speak about the threat mining poses to prime agricultural land, clean water, and the long-term viability of farming in the Clarence Catchment.
Prof Scott Johnston - 27th & 29th
Env. Hydrogeochemist, SCU
- Will present research on Antimony and Arsenic contamination in the Macleay River, exploring the long-term legacy of mining pollution and its implications for the Clarence Catchment.
Janet Cavanagh - 27th & 28th
Clarence Environment Centre
- Will highlight the Clarence region’s rich biodiversity and the threatened species and ecosystems most at risk from mineral mining.
Stephen Ross - 27th & 28th
Landowner, Eco Tourism Operator
- Will share his lived experience as the only resident of the catchment currently under an active mining lease, (ML) exposing the regulatory imbalance faced by private landholders.
David Copperthwaite 26th
River Tourism Wild River Tours
- Will speak about the vital importance of protecting River systems for sustainable tourism, which supports local livelihoods.
Uncle Allan Phillips - 29th
Gumbaynggirr Elder
- Will provide Welcome to Country at the Dorrigo event and speak on mining on Country.
Dr Jacqueline Williams - 29th
Ecologist, UNE & Founder of Dorrigo Environment Watch (DEW)
- Will speak on the historical exploration activity and community action in the Dorrigo region, the need to reignite the group and what's next for DEW.
Just announced - Ella Noah Bancroft - 27th
Bundjalung woman, poet, author and founder/CEO of The Returning Indigenous corporation.
- Will discuss system change, protection of Country, reconnecting with story, and ancestral healing.
Just announced Uncle Gary Marshall Brown - 26th
- Bundjalung Elder
More speakers will be announced and invited up to yarn on the day.

BBQ proudly supported by Holiday Coast Meats at Copmanhurst.

Food and Drinks for purchase from the club at the Grafton event.

Light refreshments available at the Drake & Dorrigo events - BYO Mug.

Contact the host of Grafton - Clarence Catchment Alliance & Environmental Defenders Office Regional Roadshow.