Wimmera-based business owners attended an invitation-only information session last week to find out what opportunities may become available if WIM Resource’s Avonbank mine proceeds.

But the event at Horsham Golf Club on Wednesday night was not without disruption, as members of the Mine Free Wimmera Farms staged a silent protest out the front.

Mine Free Wimmera Farms members held their two large banners saying ‘We want farms, not mines’ at the entrance of the golf club, much to the ire of golf club management who asked the members to leave.

Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Ian Ross, chief executive Craig Niemann and councillors Rebecca Sluggett, Angela Munn and Brian Klowss were among 100 people in attendance at the information session titled ‘Opportunities for the region’.
WIM Resource director of project Michael Winternitz spoke about the importance of farming in the region, and the mine, planned for Dooen, co-existing with agriculture to make an ‘economic super-power of Australia’.

However during question time, Mr Winternitz said the most significant challenge facing the Avonbank mine was it being financed.

Despite this challenge, he was confident construction of the mine would begin in 2026.

Mr Winternitz outlined the variety of businesses that WIM Resource would need in order to operate the Dooen-based mineral sands mine – from trades people, construction, heavy machinery operators, and labour management to environmental services, catering and administration.

He also announced the establishment of a community support program to provide supporting and funding for various programs and projects, including education and leadership; social wellbeing and health; economic participation; and resources and environmental sustainability.

Mr Winternitz said there had been four shifts in the region in the past 10 years – farms getting larger; the increase of renewable projects; the proposal of three new mines within a 70-kilometre radius to Horsham; and a decline in the socio-economic status of the region.

He said WIM Resource was ‘consistently approached by individuals and businesses who wanted to partner’ with them.

But he also acknowledged the concern within the community, led by farmers whose land would be affected.

Mr Winternitz faced several questions from attendees – about dust concerns; rehabilitation; water use; and housing for workers.

Agricultural advocate Andrew Weidemann was also in attendance, and said businesses in Horsham needed to know a large portion of the agricultural community were not in favour of mining on farms.

He questioned mining wages putting pressure on competing employers; where the mine’s water would be sourced from and the impact that would have on recreational water; and the rehabilitation of the land, before he was told to stop interrupting – otherwise he would be asked to leave.

Mr Winternitz attempted to answer the questions, mostly referring to the approval of the Environmental Effects Statement, which Planning Minister Sonia Kilkenny signed off on in December.

The project is still awaiting approval of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 from the Federal Government.

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