Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) is calling on the State Government to provide urgent clarification on key aspects of the proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Project before a decision is made on the mining licence MIN008642.
In a letter sent to Energy and Resources Minister Lily D'Ambrosio this month, HRCC Acting Mayor Cr Brian Klowss requested an update on the application's progress and clear assurances that all conditions outlined in the Environmental Effects Statement Inquiry and Advisory Committee Report 2023 including over 100 Environmental Management Measures will be fully incorporated into any mining licence.
Council is also urging the Minister to consult with key stakeholders and local businesses, many of whom may not be fully aware of the scope and implications of the project.
The WIM Resource-led project, located 15km north of Horsham, proposes to mine up to 3,426 hectares over 38 years, with up to 340 hectares disturbed at any one time. Council acknowledges this project plays a role in the state governments Critical Minerals Roadmap but remains concerned about potential long-term impacts—particularly on agricultural land, compliance monitoring, and the transparency of mining conditions.
The Wimmera contains some of the most productive cropping land in Australia, and the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) itself recognised agriculture as an area of potentially significant impact. Council emphasises that successful agricultural rehabilitation must be a core condition of the Mining Licence. To date, Council has little confidence in the rehabilitation trials undertaken by WIM Resource, noting that, to its knowledge, previous trials have not been independently or scientifically assessed.
Council is also concerned that our community should not have to wait until the mine is decommissioned to understand what the rehabilitation obligations will be, or how they will be secured.
To provide certainty and build trust, Council is urging Resources Victoria and the Minister to clearly outline how any approved rehabilitation plan will give effect to the recommendations made by the Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) before the mining licence is granted.
Additionally, Council is seeking clarity on who will be responsible for monitoring mining activities, particularly where operations may extend beyond the originally agreed boundaries. Council is not resourced to undertake regulatory inspections and is concerned that any additional burden could fall to local government without appropriate support.
At this time, it remains unclear what mining conditions have been agreed to between the Minister and WIM Resource, as this information has not been released publicly.
Council is seeking answers on four key issues:
- The extent and boundaries of the Mining Licence area – insisting the licence incorporates any processing facility, which is not currently the case.
- Mechanisms for compliance and monitoring – making sure responsibilities are clear and appropriate resourcing is forthcoming to responsible agencies
- The effectiveness and accountability of land rehabilitation – a rehabilitation plan for public comment should be required prior to any licence
- Adherence to the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act
"Council will not support this project unless it can prove it's safe for the environment, fair to the community, and beneficial in the long run," said Acting Mayor Cr Brian Klowss. "This mine will impact our region for generations, and we demand firm, enforceable commitments that protect our community, our farmland, and our future."
