Legal Experts Join the Clarence Catchment Alliance to Address Escalating Mining Threat in Clarence Region
This July, communities across the Clarence Catchment will have the opportunity to 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), 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 high-rainfall, flood-prone landscapes and vital river systems at risk.
This urgent initiative 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.
“Over the past two years, more landholders have come to us about access letters, licence breaches, and mining companies misusing or blocking access to private land,” said Shae Fleming, Coordinator of the CCA. “As volunteers, we can’t provide legal advice but this Roadshow, made possible with the EDO and local groups, is something we’ve long hoped to deliver. It’s timely, necessary, and community driven.”
“We are forced to co-exist for the next 21 years under a lease granted without our consent, with no viable resource and no meaningful protection. If I locked them out of my land, I’d face $200,000 in fines — but they can lock me out, and it’s called legal.”
Stephen Ross, Clarence River Wilderness Lodge Tabulam
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 core 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 Roadshow is more than a presentation; it is a call to action. It is designed to inform, connect and empower the public to stand up for the protection of Country, rivers, drinking water catchments, species, and livelihoods under threat.
Event Schedule
Saturday 26 July
Copmanhurst Memorial Hall – Grafton Street, Copmanhurst
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Supported by Clarence Valley Council.
Focus: A range of speakers + Exploration Licences in and around Cangai, The Gorge, Carnham and surrounding areas. BBQ provided.
Sunday 27 July
Grafton District Services Club – 105 Mary Street, Grafton
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Focus: A range of speakers + all 44 exploration licences across the catchment, including antimony, copper, cobalt, silver, gold and bauxite exploration. community Q&A included. This event will be broadcast live via YouTube.
Monday 28 July
Drake Community Hall – Alison Street, Drake
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Focus: A range of speakers + Exploration Licences and Mining Leases in and around Drake, Ewingar, Tabulam and surrounding areas. Light refreshments and community Q&A included.
Tuesday 29 July
Dorrigo Showground Luncheon Pavilion – Waterfall Way, Dorrigo
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Focus: A range of speakers + Exploration Licences in and Dorrigo Plateau, Wild Cattle Creek and key drinking water catchments. Afternoon tea and community workshop included.
Who Should Attend
All residents of the Clarence Catchment are encouraged to attend whether inland or coastal, upriver or downriver. From Coffs Harbour to Carnham, Casino to the coast, if your community lies within the Clarence Catchment boundary, this matters to you.