‘Relieved and grateful.’ SA wine wins battle against mining developments

Adelaide Hills wine producers are celebrating the latest legal development in Terramin’s Bird in Hand Gold Project application after a judicial review into its refusal was dismissed by South Australia's Supreme Court.

While Terramin has told shareholders it “intends to appeal the decision,” wineries such as Bird in Hand and Petaluma - both of which would have been affected by the development - are breathing a sigh of relief.

“We are relieved and grateful that this mining application will not proceed,” Bird in Hand Co-Founder Andrew Nugent told Drinks Trade.

“I believe it has been a wonderful example of community custodianship. Our tight-knit local community, with the support of many South Australians, has come together to protect this unique, pristine environment and its precious water resources.”

On Monday, Terramin entered into a share trading halt whilst awaiting the outcome of the judicial review. However, the South Australian Supreme Court upheld the decision made by Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis in 2023 to reject Terramin’s applications under the Mining Act.

“I was not willing to risk established local industries against the opportunity a short-term mine may have provided to the state,” he said.

“The area of the proposed mine is home to a world-class viticulture industry, producing some of Australia’s best-loved wines … Now that the court has upheld the Government’s decision, I suspect Adelaide Hills businesses are breathing a sigh of relief.”

Terramin first bought the site, located 2km east of Woodside, in 2015, and claims it spent more than $15 million in the four-year application process prior to its 2023 rejection. It has since sought legal costs from the State Government, accusing the Department of Energy and Mining’s decision of lacking a scientific basis.

“Terramin’s application was supported by comprehensive studies based on science, which demonstrated that there would be no adverse environmental or socio-economic outcomes arising from Terramin’s mining proposal,” Terramin told shareholders following the application rejection.

“These studies were peer reviewed by independent and Government experts over many years. Terramin has not been made aware of any issues with the methodology or conclusions of these studies.”

The 2023 decision was also vocally criticised by the Liberal Opposition both at the the time and more recently, including Member for Hammond labelling it “outrageous” in SA Parliament as recently as 27 August.

Tom Koutsantonis says this week’s Supreme Court ruling stands as proof of his original decision.

“I’ve always stood by my decision and the fact that proper process was followed, which has been reflected in the decision of the Supreme Court today to dismiss the judicial review application,” he said.

“The Liberal Opposition has consistently criticised my decision and made clear they would have supported a short-term mine and put at risk surrounding established businesses.”

Similarly, Member for Kavel Dan Cregan says “future generations will come to see this decision as unquestionably the right one” and that his “community remains concerned that a future Minister under a different government would approve this mine.”

Speaking to Drinks Trade, Bird in Hand’s Andrew Nugent extended his gratitude to the two politicians.

“I would like to extend my personal thanks to our local member, Dan Cregan, and Minister Tom Koutsantonis,” he said.

“Bird in Hand can now plan for future generations with certainty. We look forward to continuing to promote the exquisite wine, food, and culture of the Adelaide Hills and our remarkable state of South Australia.”