STAWELL residents against the proposed Big Hill open-cut project have voiced their concerns at a rally in Horsham.
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The March Australia rally at May Park on Saturday attracted more than 50 people.
Guest speaker Carl Sudholz said he was blown away by the support.
The rally coincided with other March Australia events across Australia.
Mr Sudholz said the marches were to express concern about Federal Government policies relating to climate change, renewable energy, budget issues and deregulation of universities
“Considering Horsham is not used to these kinds of things and it was a Saturday afternoon during football finals – the number of people who came was double our expectations,” he said.
“We had a good turnout of people from Stawell – about 10 to 15 people came in protest of the Big Hill mine.”
Stawell resident Sherrie Hunt spoke at the rally and said the planned mining project would damage the hill forever.
Mr Sudholz said there was an open mic session for people to share their point of view.
“Another resident from Stawell got up and spoke about further problems with the Big Hill project,” he said.
“One woman expressed her disappointment at the hard line of government policies around asylum seekers and the welfare system.”
Mr Sudholz said there could be more rallies later in the year.
“March Australia is already organising another rally for before the state election,” he said.
“If this is the case, there will definitely be another one in Horsham.
“We hope the next one will be more strongly attended with a greater range of speakers.
“Together we can build a movement and put some pressure on the government.
“Hopefully our politicians will take this stuff seriously and get on with it.”