Council
7 April, 2026
Councils back resource strategy
The nine councils of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Council Alliance have endorsed the Resource Ready: North Western Victoria Energy & Mining Impact and Readiness Strategy, urging the Victorian Government for a coordinated planning and investment.
Since the Strategy was released, the Alliance has met with senior government officials and written to the Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Resources seeking further discussions.
They have also raised concerns about recent changes to compulsory acquisition laws and are calling for the government to work closely with affected communities.
Endorsing the Strategy does not signal support or opposition to individual projects.
It reflects councils’ shared responsibility to prepare communities for significant economic change and ensure development delivers lasting local benefit.
The Strategy responds to up to $27.7 billion in proposed energy, transmission, and mining projects across North Western Victoria and highlights the opportunities and the significant pressures these developments may place on regional communities if not properly resourced.
“We’re asking for the resources and coordination needed to manage the real, on-the-ground impacts of major energy and mining proposals so that our communities share in the benefits," Horsham mayor Brian Klowss said.
“This is a call to action for the Victorian Government to take the steps needed on council resourcing, an Economic Transition Fund, and genuine local input into the Community Benefit Fund."
Buloke, Gannawarra, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Loddon, Northern Grampians, Swan Hill, West Wimmera, and Yarriambiack municipalities commissioned Urban Enterprise to prepare the Energy and Mining Impact and Readiness Strategy to identify the potential economic impacts and opportunities for renewable and mining projects in the region.