Eden Project
Anglesea Concept
Community Consultation
eden project
The Eden Project, a UK-based educational and environmental charity and social enterprise, and Alcoa of Australia have undertaken community consultation to gain feedback on a concept for a world class eco-tourism attraction within Alcoa’s former mine site in Anglesea, Victoria.
Set within the landscape of the Anglesea Heath, it showcases a vision to transform an area within the former coal mine into a destination for immersive education and experiences which celebrate the local ecology and tell a story of sustainability.
You can read more about Eden’s vision for the site here. And listen to Eden and Alcoa’s presentation to the community in May 2019 here.
The concept brings to life the guiding principles Alcoa developed in partnership with Anglesea community in 2016 to shape the transformation of the former mine site.
It’s Eden Project’s goal to engage with as many community members and interested stakeholders as possible to inspire them to help us develop the ideas for what could be their Eden Project in Anglesea.
The first Eden Project Anglesea community engagement report provides a detailed summary of the feedback received following the first phase of community engagement in late May early June 2019. It also answers the most common questions heard during the first phase of community engagement activities.
We’ll continue to update this site as the concept develops, so please continue to provide your feedback and visit the page again to find the latest information.
Provide your feedback through our short 5 minute survey.
Announcements
30th August, 2019 | 1,300 jobs projected for Eden Project Anglesea concept
Tim Lele
Call: +44 1726 811 911
To learn more about the concept and share your views,
come along to a community information session with Eden Project and Alcoa representatives
Monday 27 May
Drop-in between 2pm and 4.30pm
Saturday 1 June
Drop-in between 11.30am and 2pm
Project timeline
With landholdings framed by the Great Otway National Park, Anglesea Heath, Anglesea River, the Great Ocean Road and the Anglesea township, Alcoa’s former power station and mine site presents a once in generation opportunity to create outcomes of significant value to Anglesea and the broader region.
Following extensive community engagement, Alcoa published a Concept Master Plan for its freehold landholdings in 2018 with a vision to connect people to Anglesea’s valued landscapes; create a new tourism destination for Anglesea and the Great Ocean Road; and create economic opportunities for Anglesea and the wider region.
2015
2016
FAQs
Media contacts
More than 1,300 new jobs are among the economic benefits of Eden Project Anglesea to be presented at today’s G21 Geelong Regional Alliance Stakeholder Forum.
Economic modelling shows that Eden Project Anglesea would generate $350 million in the Surf Coast Shire in the first 10 years of operation.
The eco-tourism destination would create more than 500 ongoing full-time jobs with 300 at the site and an additional 200 jobs supported in the wider region. This represents almost four times the number of workers at Alcoa’s former power station and mine.
Meanwhile direct construction investment for the project is estimated to be $150 million, with 170 direct construction jobs anticipated. An additional 700 jobs are expected to be created in the G21 region during the construction phase of the project.
Following an overwhelming response of support and enthusiasm from the Anglesea community since the concept was first presented in May, Eden and Alcoa are now looking to build further on the support of regional leaders and key government stakeholders.
Chief Executive of Eden Project International David Harland, who is presenting at today’s G21 Forum said: “Anglesea is a fantastic place and we want Eden Project Anglesea to enhance what the town already provides to locals and the wider region.
“The project will offer greater tourism opportunities, bring more jobs to the local economy and build on Anglesea’s history of strong environmental stewardship.
“The economic projections for the Surf Coast region are similar to what we have achieved in Cornwall through our commitment to partnerships with the local community.
“While the economic benefits are hugely significant, our engagement with the Traditional Owners of the land, building our partnerships in biodiversity and continuing our involvement in active community engagement and consultation remain priorities at this time.”
Alcoa’s Anglesea Site Asset Manager Warren Sharp said: “Alcoa’s goal is to leave a legacy that benefits the Anglesea community economically, environmentally and socially.
“Eden Project Anglesea will be a key part of achieving this vision with the job projections well exceeding the permanent Alcoa positions at the former mine and power station site.”
The critical next steps for Alcoa and Eden are the resolution of the water strategy to fill the mine void and determining the relevant planning process for the next phase.
In addition to his attendance at the G21 Geelong Regional Alliance Stakeholder Forum, David Harland will be in Victoria this week to meet with other regional and state stakeholders, to continue driving momentum for Eden Project Anglesea.
ENDS
The Eden Project, an educational charity, connects us with each other and the living world, exploring how we can work towards a better future.
Our visitor destination in Cornwall, UK, is nestled in a huge crater. Here, massive Biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity, stunning plants, exhibitions and stories serve as a backdrop to our striking contemporary gardens, summer concerts and exciting year-round family events. Registered charity number 1093070 (The Eden Trust). Money raised supports our transformational projects and learning programmes.
© Eden Project
Community contacts
To contact the Eden Project team:
Call: +44 1726 811 911
See what Eden Project achieved in Cornwall, UK
Mail: Fill in our Contact us form, which will be sent through to the Eden team
To contact the Eden Project team:
To contact the Alcoa Anglesea Project Team:
Call: 5521 5484
Email: angleseaps@alcoa.com.au
Mail: Alcoa of Australia, Camp Road, Anglesea, VIC 3230
Visit: www.alcoa.com.au/anglesea
Community contacts
Eden Project Anglesea Communications:
Community contacts
To contact the Alcoa Anglesea Project Team
Call: 5521 5484
Media contacts
Eden Project Anglesea Communications:
Call: (03) 9268 7888
The Eden Project, a UK-based educational and environmental charity and social enterprise, and Alcoa of Australia have undertaken community consultation to gain feedback on a concept for a world class eco-tourism attraction within Alcoa’s former mine site in Anglesea, Victoria.
Media contacts
Eden Project Anglesea Communications:
Call: (03) 9268 7888
Community contacts
To contact the Alcoa Anglesea Project Team
Call: 5521 5484
To contact the Eden Project team:
Call: +44 1726 811 911
The Eden Project is a UK-based educational and environmental charity and social enterprise. It works to engage people around the world in positive experiences and stories about the natural world to encourage them to live their lives more sustainably.
It's inaugural project, The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, is a global garden featuring spectacular geodesic domes, known as Biomes, situated in a former china clay quarry. Eden Cornwall is the home of the largest rainforest in captivity, known as the Rainforest Biome, as well as the beautiful Mediterranean Biome and extensive outdoor gardens.
Eden has contributed £2 billion to Cornwall’s regional economy and welcomed more than 20 million visitors since it opened in 2001.
Eden Project International Limited (EPIL) is the global wing of the Eden Project, whose ambition is to create projects inspired by the original Cornish vision in every habitable continent on earth. On a global scale, Eden works with foreign government departments, local supply chains and local cultures to promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources. It is currently working on projects in China, Dubai, the USA and the UK.
Alcoa of Australia operated a coal mine and power station in Anglesea for more than 46 years, with operations ceasing in 2015. Since then, Alcoa has been undertaking planning for the rehabilitation and closure of the mine site, the decommissioning and remediation of the power station, and future land uses.
Community consultation and engagement continue to guide project activities to ensure Alcoa leaves a positive environmental, cultural and economical legacy for Anglesea and the greater Surf Coast community.
The concept involves the creation of a world class eco-tourism attraction within Alcoa’s former mine site in Anglesea, Victoria.
Set within the landscape of the Anglesea Heath, the proposed concept showcases a vision to transform an area within the former coal mine into a destination for immersive education and experiences which celebrate the local ecology and tell a story of sustainability.
It would amplify the region’s prized environmental and cultural attributes including the scenic Great Ocean Road and the Great Otway National Park, one of the richest and most biodiverse areas in the state.
Envisioned in the concept is a place of extraordinary experiences, fusing science and wonder to immerse visitors in the extreme elements – fire, air, earth and water - which have shaped the surf coast region and its inhabitants for millennia, creating a must-see prelude for a journey on the Great Ocean Road.
The Eden Project will provide environmental, social, educational and economic benefits for the community.
Set within the landscape of the Anglesea Heath, the proposed concept showcases a vision to transform an area within the former coal mine into a destination for immersive education and experiences which celebrate the local ecology and tell a story of sustainability.
Initial projections show a world class eco-tourism attraction of this type could support at least 300 full-time jobs.
The project will provide a focal point for people travelling along the Great Ocean Road, giving them the opportunity to stop for an extended period, including in the off-peak season, and not only experience Eden, but also other Anglesea activities like surfing, boating and hiking, as well as the area’s hospitality and accommodation.
Eden Cornwall has contributed more than £2bn to the local economy since 2001, and there is strong potential for figures relative to those in Anglesea.
Eden has a wealth of experience in environmental, social and economic regeneration and similarly to the Anglesea concept site, Eden’s home in Cornwall is situated within a former mine.
Eden first heard about the opportunity in Anglesea when several community members contacted Eden to suggest it investigate the former mine site for a new Eden Project.
The concept sits in harmony with the Anglesea Heath within the former mining area, and next to the proposed water body.
The site represents a total footprint of approximately 40 hectares, of which the concept’s built form would occupy less than 10 per cent.
As the concept shows, it’s a low impact design with a number of pavilions nestled into the landscape and connected via walkways.
Through all stages of analysis, planning, design and construction, the concept is estimated to cost approximately $150 million.
Eden will be seeking potential investors for the project and the typical infrastructure support for projects of this kind from Government.
It’s Eden’s goal to engage with as many people as possible in the consultation phase to energise and inspire the local community and key stakeholders to develop the ideas for what could be their own Eden Project in Anglesea.
More than 800 people attended community consultation events in late May and early June 2019 with more than 3,000 others engaging online.
We’d like to thank those who have participated so far and we encourage people to continue providing their feedback through our short online feedback form [insert link to survey]. It is important to note that we are still in the concept phase and most critical for us is understanding what the local community and key stakeholders want, need, and hope to achieve from the project.
Community input is vital to the creation of an Eden Project that both represents and benefits this beautiful part of the world. As such, our continuing ambition is to provide many diverse opportunities for community involvement and feedback.
So please keep talking to us, providing your feedback and we look forward to continuing the conversation.
Considerate of the community feedback received, there are several subsequent steps that need to be undertaken to progress the Eden Project Anglesea concept, such as:
- - Determination of planning authority and rezoning application process;
- - Approval of the Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Plan, including Alcoa obtaining approval to fill the waterbody;
- - Development of detailed designs incorporating aspects such as built form and scale principles, and traffic and infrastructure planning; and
- - Submit a rezoning application and potentially planning permits for approval to the relevant authority;
Community engagement will continue to be embedded in next steps.
The Eden Project Anglesea concept is set within a portion of the former power station site.
As outlined in the Alcoa Freehold Concept Master Plan, the former power station site will be a community focused precinct, complementing the proposed eco-tourism concept at the former mine site, with connections to the Anglesea township.
The precinct would include a range of facilities such as an elevated observation tower, orientation shelters, picnic spaces, play spaces, walking and cycling paths, recreation areas and activities, as well as tourism accommodation and retail uses.
If the Eden Project Anglesea concept is realised, it would create an opportunity for Eden to provide input into the precinct.
We've had positive early discussions with Traditional Owners, the Wadawurrung, about the Eden Project Anglesea concept. Eden Project are committed to genuine engagement and collaboration with the Wadawurrung – we share a goal to use the project as an exemplar for how a concept should be developed with traditional owners and look forward to working closely together.
Eden Project Anglesea will celebrate the cultural, spiritual and economic connection to the land of the Wadawurrung people, and will also provide employment opportunities for local indigenous people to be on country and manage country.
Key Milestones
Alcoa Anglesea Mine and Power Station closure
Planning begins for the remediation and closure of the mine site, and the demolition and remediation of the power station
2017
Community consultation about Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Plan
Draft Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Plan submitted to the Victorian Government’s Earth Resources Regulation
2018
Community consultation about Alcoa Freehold Concept Master Plan
Alcoa Freehold Concept Master Plan published and submitted to the Victorian Government’s Anglesea Futures
2019
Eden Project Anglesea concept released for community consultation
Feedback from initial consultation with community shared
Continue community engagement and consultation on concept
Resolution of the Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Plan water strategy
Determination of planning authority, rezoning application process and land tenure changes
Further community engagement and feedback
Development of detailed designs, built form, traffic, infrastructure planning etc.
Rezoning application and planning permits
Next Steps
Alcoa Anglesea Mine and Power Station closure
Planning begins for the remediation and closure of the mine site, and the demolition and remediation of the power station
Community consultation about Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Plan
Draft Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Plan submitted to the Victorian Government’s Earth Resources Regulation
Community consultation about Alcoa Freehold Concept Master Plan
Alcoa Freehold Concept Master Plan published and submitted to the Victorian Government’s Anglesea Futures
Eden Project Anglesea concept released for community consultation
Feedback from initial consultation with community shared
Continue community engagement and consultation on concept
Resolution of the Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Plan water strategy
Determination of planning authority, rezoning application process and land tenure changes
Further community engagement and feedback
Development of detailed designs, built form, traffic, infrastructure planning etc.
Rezoning application and planning permits
A place of extraordinary experiences, fusing science and wonder to immerse visitors in the extremes of the elements – earth, air, water, fire – and in so doing, creating a must-see prelude to a journey on the Great Ocean Road. Eden Project Anglesea is a concept set within the extraordinary landscape of the heath, celebrating, preserving and enhancing the ecology and environment.
Concept inspirations
Earth
Earth will explore the worlds beneath our feet: the present - showcasing the wondrous networks, partnerships and wars in the soil that are fundamental to all life on Earth; the past – travelling through the strata to the hidden worlds embodied in the limestone of the Great Ocean Road, guaranteeing you will never look at the Apostles in the same way again.
Air
Taking visitors on literal and metaphorical journeys into the sky, this pavilion uses the element of “air” as inspiration to a space of world-class experience, collective challenges, inspiring panoramas and explorations of our local and universal connections to the worlds above us: of big weather, planetary systems and the atmosphere.
Water
Housed below the water level, a magical immersion into mysterious worlds of water awaits, acting as a portal to neighbouring freshwater ecologies as well as below the waves at Point Addis. It is driven by the act of purification: of the lake’s chemistry and our culture’s philosophy. Rising from the lake, a wondrous centrepiece that is the inner sanctum of the project, a living monument to deep-time and a statement of intent to humanity’s central role as planetary stewards.
Fire
Inspired both by the ancient sunlight trapped as coal, and by the real-time sunlight that powers life on Earth, the fire pavilion is an urgent and visceral fire temple for the twenty first century. Harnessing the element through our own imagined rituals, collective activities and reverence, we will explore fire’s essential link to destruction and regeneration.
A place of extraordinary experiences, fusing science and wonder to immerse visitors in the extremes of the elements – earth, air, water, fire – and in so doing, creating a must-see prelude to a journey on the Great Ocean Road. Eden Project Anglesea is a concept set within the extraordinary landscape of the heath, celebrating, preserving and enhancing the ecology and environment.
Concept inspirations
Earth will explore the worlds beneath our feet: the present - showcasing the wondrous networks, partnerships and wars in the soil that are fundamental to all life on Earth; the past – travelling through the strata to the hidden worlds embodied in the limestone of the Great Ocean Road, guaranteeing you will never look at the Apostles in the same way again.
Taking visitors on literal and metaphorical journeys into the sky, this pavilion uses the element of “air” as inspiration to a space of world-class experience, collective challenges, inspiring panoramas and explorations of our local and universal connections to the worlds above us: of big weather, planetary systems and the atmosphere.
Housed below the water level, a magical immersion into mysterious worlds of water awaits, acting as a portal to neighbouring freshwater ecologies as well as below the waves at Point Addis. It is driven by the act of purification: of the lake’s chemistry and our culture’s philosophy. Rising from the lake, a wondrous centrepiece that is the inner sanctum of the project, a living monument to deep-time and a statement of intent to humanity’s central role as planetary stewards.
Inspired both by the ancient sunlight trapped as coal, and by the real-time sunlight that powers life on Earth, the fire pavilion is an urgent and visceral fire temple for the twenty first century. Harnessing the element through our own imagined rituals, collective activities and reverence, we will explore fire’s essential link to destruction and regeneration.
Eden Project
Anglesea Concept
eden project
21st May, 2019 | Eden and Alcoa consult community on potential Eden Project in Anglesea
The Eden Project (Eden), a UK-based educational and environmental charity and social enterprise, and Alcoa of Australia (Alcoa) have commenced community consultation to seek feedback on a concept for a world class eco-tourism attraction within Alcoa’s former mine site in Anglesea, Victoria.
Eden’s concept will be presented to the community over the next two weeks. Set within the landscape of the Anglesea Heath, it showcases a vision to transform an area within the former coal mine into a destination for immersive education and experiences which celebrate the local ecology and tell a story of sustainability.
Eden’s concept amplifies the region’s prized environmental and cultural attributes including the scenic Great Ocean Road and the Great Otway National Park, one of the richest and most biodiverse areas in the state.
David Harland, Chief Executive of Eden’s global wing, Eden Project International Limited (EPIL), said: “We’re incredibly excited to work together with the community on this concept, which could bring environmental, social and economic regeneration to Anglesea and the wider region, while re-imagining what’s possible within Australian mine rehabilitation sites.
“We’ve envisioned a place of extraordinary experiences, fusing science and wonder to immerse visitors in the extreme elements – fire, air, earth and water - which have shaped the surf coast region and its inhabitants for millennia, creating a must-see prelude for a journey on the Great Ocean Road. This concept will be a global exemplar of sustainability and environmental excellence.”
David added: “Our experience in Cornwall shows us it’s possible to take a former mining landscape and create a place that celebrates our natural world and educates and entertains people from all walks of life, while providing a year-round positive impact for the community. It’s our goal to speak with as many people as we can over the coming weeks to energise and inspire them to help us develop the ideas for what could be their Eden Project in Anglesea.”
Initial projections show a world-class eco-tourism attraction of this type will support at least 300 full-time jobs and attract thousands of new visitors to Anglesea. Through all stages of analysis, planning, design and construction, the concept is estimated to cost approximately $150 million. Following achievement of the relevant planning and rezoning approvals, we'd expect the construction to be complete within 18-24 months.
John Osborne, Director Asset Planning and Management of Alcoa, said: “Alcoa is tremendously proud to work with our colleagues from Eden who are recognised globally for creating landmark eco-tourism facilities and experiences.
“This exciting concept brings to life the guiding principles Alcoa developed in partnership with Anglesea community in 2016 to shape the transformation of the former mine site. It presents an outstanding opportunity to showcase the site’s unique natural values while making a significant and lasting contribution to the region for generations to come.
“We look forward to receiving input from the Anglesea community and key stakeholders on this concept for the freehold mine site.”
ENDS