Stawell Gold Mines’ proposal was knocked back in October by then Planning Minister Matthew Guy on the grounds it would cause unacceptable health risks for Stawell residents.

The decision sparked a bitter dispute between residents with opposing views.

Ms D’Ambrosio said she was in the process of writing to Planning Minister Richard Wynne after considering the findings of the independent inquiry.

‘‘The findings of the inquiry show clearly there are significant concerns on the impact of nearby communities if the project were to go ahead, which would certainly cause some considerable

health concerns,’’ she said.

‘‘The project should not be allowed to proceed as it is currently proposed.’’

She said any new proposal from Stawell Gold Mines would need to consider the concerns of all community members.

‘‘I would strongly suggest broad community support for any future proposal would be an important feature,’’ she said.

‘‘The findings of the inquiry show the current proposal creates great cause for concern in terms of community health.’’

Ms D’Ambrosio said she understood the concerns of Northern Grampians Shire Council, residents  and businesses who were worried about job prospects for the town, but health was paramount.

‘‘Jobs are fundamentally important, especially in regional Victoria where we have the highest rate of

unemployment,’’ she said.

‘‘It’s always a balance with these things and when an independent inquiry concludes there are real health impacts if a proposal was to go ahead in its current form, then the responsible course of action is to give consideration to that.’’

She said the ball was now in Stawell Gold Mines’ court.