Blayney resident Peter Hildenbeutel, a member of the McPhillamy's Gold Project Community Consultative Committee, says that the notion that the Belubula River is a pristine environment is complete nonsense.
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"For generations the farmers have done zilch, they haven't considered the river at all. It's damaged." he said.
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"Over the years they've been using all kinds of agricultural chemicals like DDT, super-phosphate and Glyphosate on their properties and guess where they all end up flowing into when it rains?"
Mr Hildenbeutel invited the Blayney Chronicle for a viewing of the river where it passes through his property just north of Blayney, pointing out the algae that had begun to bloom in the still water.
"The river is clogged up with willow, and I don't blame the farmers for that, but they're all talking about damage that might happen, when the damage has been going on for years."
Clearing up the river is something that Mr Hildenbeutel would like to see happen and suggests that a solution in the upper reaches of the river could go a long way towards helping clear the water, regardless of whether the mine goes ahead or not.
"We've always wanted to put a large wetland here on our property and it would be something that could become a real attraction," he said.
A staunch advocate of the mine, Mr Hildenbeutel said that the placement of the anti-mine billboards on the highway alongside his property were also sending people the wrong message about his views.
"I want to see development in the town to secure jobs for my grandchildren," he said, "It will bring them a better future."