General News
20 January, 2026
Ex-council executive joins WIM Resource in community role
A former director from Horsham Rural City Council has taken on a new role with a mining company.
Kevin O'Brien, who was Director of People and Places, is now the Director of Community and Landholder Relations at WIM Resource PL.
A spokesperson for WIM Resource PL said Mr O'Brien is a highly respected community leader with more than a decade of executive experience at HRCC.
In a joint statement, WIM executive team members Eddy Wu and Michael Winternitz
“Kevin brings a wealth of experience and a genuine understanding of the Horsham Community, and is well placed to lead our new Community and Landowner team as we look to bring Avonbank into construction in 2026, ensuring we coexist with the agricultural industry, and help Horsham realise the significant long-term economic opportunities Avonbank will bring,” they said.
In the statement, Mr O'Brien said he would work closely with landholders, community members, and stakeholders to ensure the Avonbank Project was developed in a respectful, transparent way and delivered long-term benefits for the community.
While Mr O'Brien was the council’s Director of People and Places, the HRCC and WIM Resource signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
The Memorandum of Understanding, signed in July 2022, set out plans for the council and WIM Resource to work together on the proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Project at Dooen, if it receives full approval from the Victorian Government.
However, growing concerns from landowners and farmers about the mine’s environmental and economic impact prompted the council to reconsider its stance.
The HRCC suspended the MoU in March 2025, pending further review.
Councillors voted in favour of the suspension, citing the need to reassess the agreement.
In addition to suspending the MoU, councillors passed a motion to establish a Mining, Renewables and Energy Committee.
The State Government approved an Environmental Effects Statement for the 38-year project, which sparked regional debate over issues such as radiation, dust, and agricultural priorities.
WIM Resource has applied for a mining licence, but it has not been finalised yet.
The proposed Avonbank Mine, located near Horsham, has a lifespan of 36-40 years to extract zircon, titanium-bearing minerals, and rare-earth by-products from a potential site at Dooen, with a footprint of approximately 3460 hectares of farmland.
The Mail-Times has contacted Horsham Rural City Council for comment.