The federal government has approved the Fosterville Gold Mine near Bendigo to continue operations until 2045, despite concerns from local residents and environmental advocates. The Canadian company Agnico Eagle stated that the extension of underground mining at its Fosterville site in central Victoria is expected to support 1,000 jobs and contribute $1.3 billion to the regional economy over the next decade.

The approval comes with stringent environmental conditions aimed at protecting threatened Australian species. These conditions address the mine's impact on federally protected plants and animals, including endangered grey box grassy woodlands and critical habitats for the critically endangered swift parrot and regent honeyeater. The mine is allowed to clear a maximum of 10.592 hectares of grey box grassy woodland and must commit to long-term conservation efforts. This includes securing and managing over 231 hectares of land specifically for environmental offsets.

Additionally, the mine is required to establish strict "no-go zones" that must be approved by a qualified ecologist before any clearing can take place. Agnico Eagle must also submit detailed annual compliance reports to the government, including geographical data on all clearing activities. Independent environmental audits will be conducted every five years to ensure adherence to the approval conditions.

Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenney approved the expansion in May, stating that the potential environmental impacts could be managed acceptably. Agnico Eagle has been contacted for comment regarding the approval.

Environmentalists have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the environmental offsets. La Trobe University botanist Jim Radford stated, "It depends on how it's implemented. There's ample research that shows offsets are an ineffective tool for mitigation." He raised concerns about the cumulative impacts of habitat loss on species like the swift parrot and other declining bird populations. Radford also highlighted issues not addressed by the federal government, such as the potential contamination of the nearby Campaspe River from tailing dams and the effects of blasting on local wildlife, including bats and owls.

In a separate legal matter, closing submissions have been made in a Victorian Supreme Court trial concerning alleged noise from the Fosterville mine and its impact on nearby residents. Kirsty McDonald and Karen Oliver filed a private nuisance claim against the company after discussions in 2021. They are presenting diary entries, witness testimonies, and expert evidence based on the Environment Protection Authority's low-frequency noise guidelines.

The couple's barrister, Jonathan Korman, stated that they have experienced nausea and headaches attributed to the noise. He described the pressure felt by Ms. McDonald as akin to wearing a tight hat, which can also affect the jaw. The court heard that both the couple's lawyer and the mine's defense acknowledged the presence of a 63-hertz low-frequency noise at the couple's home, although it was contested whether the mine was responsible for it.

Korman emphasized that noise is a significant issue for the mine, citing the powerful machinery involved. In contrast, the mine's defense barrister, Martin Scott KC, argued that experts indicated low-frequency noise must be audible to be considered annoying. He noted that the noise level was below the threshold and questioned the reliability of the couple's diary entries as evidence. The court also heard that a recommendation for one of the women to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist had not been followed up. Scott asserted that the mine had made modifications to its ventilation fans to satisfy the EPA, demonstrating appropriate communication with the couple.