Ballarat Goldmine Circuit - 9.6 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 221




Hike Report by Joan

Due to the recent publicity about the Ballarat Goldmine concerning the possibility of a second Surface Tailings Dam being built in the Mt Clear area, Gordon took us on tour around the proposed site as well as other areas that may be affected by this Dam. 

We met at Andrew’s place and after a brief insight into the day’s plan and warnings regarding crossing roads and the slippery, muddy tracks we were to encounter, we were off. Our first stop as we went bush was off Tinworth Avenue where we had a good view of what a Surface Tailings Facility (Dam) actually looks like. Gordon explained that this “facility” was the place where “waste” materials from the crushing of the ore and the extraction of gold are deposited. The impression given was of a huge body of gray slushy water almost appearing like wet gray sand. It was well hidden behind the pine trees and bush which is why many people are unaware that it exists. 

Gordon informed us that the tailings are composed of the crushed ore, cyanide, mercury, lead and arsenic that can be toxic concerning public health as well as the ecological environment in which these materials are stored. We walked along the fence line surrounding the proposed new tailings dam having to be careful not to end up as part of a mudslide or get attacked by the prolific gorse! 

We continued down Whitehorse Road past the Ballarat South Wastewater Treatment Plant and over the Yarrowee River which Gordon highlighted as two vital assets that could be compromised if the wall of proposed Surface Tailings Dam collapsed, cracked or there was seepage. 

We found a nice spot to have a cuppa and a chat amongst the pine trees (not gum trees) with large concrete blocks to sit on as well as serve the purpose of deterring the area being a dumping ground for household goods. 

We arrived at another fence line of the Goldmine where we were able to see large amounts of stone, gravel and clayish material being transported and dumped in the area where the new Surface Tailings Dam is to go. This again left questions as to what was the purpose of this all this dumped materials? 

We finally made our way back to Andrew’s to enjoy our lunch and thank our lucky stars that we did not have to hose anyone down due to the wet, muddy and slippery conditions of the day’s walk. 

We were left to contemplate this walk as being one that led to questions concerning this area of Ballarat which seems to have become a dumping ground of waste materials from the Gold Mine and household waste from residents, both toxic in their own way. What we do with the knowledge we have now will determine the legacy we leave for future generations.

Thanks to Gordon for an enlightening walk and a chance to challenge our hiking skills dealing with slippery muddy tracks, small tree stumps waiting to trip us up and aggressive bushes wanting to make sure they left their mark on us! 

Thanks Andrew for your hospitality and Mark H for ensuring we all returned safe and sound! 
Fellow hikers..thanks, as always, for the company and chats!

Photos by Mark B



























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