Rural
5 May, 2023
Farmers 'must act on mines'
Prominent farmer advocate David Jochinke is urging landowners and growers to put their views and concerns in writing about mines planned for the Wimmera. Mr Jochinke, National Farmers Federation vice-president, said the only valid comments were in...
Prominent farmer advocate David Jochinke is urging landowners and growers to put their views and concerns in writing about mines planned for the Wimmera.
Mr Jochinke, National Farmers Federation vice-president, said the only valid comments were in a written submission to the company planning the mine.
"Pub talk and ute-tray talk will count for nothing," he said this week.
"The only way to be heard is through a written submission. You must use the proper channels to put your comments."
WIM Resource has called for submissions on its Environmental Effects Statement on the proposed Avonbank mineral sands mine north of Horsham before May 26.
The lucrative mineral sands mine, planned for land about 15 kilometres north east of Horsham, is expected to create 650 jobs across the region and add millions of dollars annually to the region's income over a 30-year span.
Wimmera VFF chairman Ryan Milgate said his members were disappointed with the submission time frame.
May was traditionally a busy time for farmers who were sowing crops and might not get around to studying the large number of documents comprising the EES or completing a written submission.
"But this is going to impact our area," Mr Milgate said. "The Wimmera VFF will put in a submission."
He was cautious at this time, he said.
"We haven't formed a policy yet, but this is an inter-generational project and will have implications for decades to come."
While the project had many positive aspects, there were also many questions.
These included wear and tear on roads, availability of adequate quantities of water, housing for workers, time frames, possible health issues, rehabilitation and adequate transport.
There was also concern about labour availability and farmers losing workers to the mine or having to pay increased wages to maintain workers.
Machinery dealers could also be without mechanics and other staff. Sufficient trucks and drivers was also another issue.
* The Wimmera VFF branch includes many former standalone branches such as Warracknabeal, Rupanyup, Natimuk, Stawell and Wilkur.