Tarras residents want more engagement with local representatives, the Cromwell Community Board heard yesterday.

In front of a packed public gallery, Tarras residents Rob van der Mark of Sustainable Tarras, and Tarras Rural Women member Billie Marsh spoke of their concerns for the future.

Both raised concerns regarding the proposed Santana gold mine and the impact on the district.

Rob said the big question on the cultural direction of the district was whether it wanted to be recognised for industrial gold mining, or continued like the last 30 years with tourism and environment.

“This is a massive undertaking to keep on top of . . . and there seems to be a lack of awareness of this as a community board,” Rob said.

Dialogue between the board and the Tarras community “was a bit wanting,” and he would like to see it stronger.

Chairwoman Anna Harrison pointed out the community board didn’t have any great affinity to influence the outcome of the proposed gold mine.

Community connection was important but it was more the Mayor, chief executive and councillors that would be tasked with a response to the proposal, she said.

Board member Neil Gillespie said some of Rob’s points were very relevant and wondered whether a report from council to the community board on how things were shaping up would be helpful.

“If we as a board can get this we can make sure our community is informed.”

It was understood through the Fast Track process for the gold mine, some parties - including the Cromwell Community Board- may be stopped from making submissions.

At the previous Cromwell Community Board meeting a Santana representative said it expected to lodge consent for the mine in February.

Billie said the community wanted control over its own destiny, and this was reflected through the community plan discussions in 2023.

“We want more engagement with council and elected members, and not to feel, “out of sight, out of mind’’, she said.

The community wanted to feel heard on matters important to them, and Billie highlighted that under the Fast Track process, council only had 20 days to respond

“So I hope they (council) will work with us on that.”

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