Vol. No. Vol. 2718No. 3727
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Wednesday, January 13, 2025 2016 Wednesday, March 26, REACHING GREAT HEIGHTS: Hawthorn ruckman Lloyd Meek was the special guest at Minyip-Murtoa Football Netball Club’s Auskick clinic launch at Horsham on Sunday. The Burras will host Auskick programs in Horsham, at the Dimboola Road Community Oval, and Minyip-Murtoa this year. Meek, who hails from Mininera, south of Ararat, is pictured with youngsters Tommy Byrne, Edie Hudson, Cleo Hose and Rolston McKenzie. Football and netball seasons start next month, and The Weekly Advertiser will publish its new, comprehensive liftout to preview the Wimmera, Horsham District and Mininera seasons in next week’s edition. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Council suspends deal H
BY LAUREN HENRY
orsham Rural City Council has suspended its Memorandum of Understanding with mining proponent WIM Resource.
Councillors voted at Monday night’s meeting to formally suspend the MoU, subject to further review. Council signed the MoU in July 2022, formally mapping out how the proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Project mine at Dooen would be ‘mutually beneficial for stakeholders and the region’. The State Government has since approved an Environmental Effects Statement for the Avonbank project – a 38-year project set to start eight kilometres north-east of Horsham, attracting criticism from landowners whose property will be affected and from a larger, growing group of farmers across the region who believe ag-
riculture should be prioritised, and the community should be aware of mining risks concerning radiation; dust; economical impacts and environmental concerns. WIM Resource has applied for a mining licence, with the community able to submit feedback until April 9. Cr Cameron McDonald, who stepped down from his role of secretary of Mine Free Wimmera Farms when he was elected to council in October, also raised a notice of motion that council establish a Mining, Renewables and Energy Committee. Councillors passed the motion 6-1, with Cr Rebecca Sluggett the only councillor to vote against. The Mining, Renewables and Energy Committee, made up of a minimum of two councillors, the chief executive, and not more than two dedicated staff involved in the process of mining,
renewables and energy, will present recommendations to council. Cr McDonald said the committee would review the MoU, presenting it to the council for final approval. He said council would consider community engagement about the issue, showing ‘impartiality in the process to not be partnering with any one party’. “It was a requirement for the council to review this MoU every two years, and as this has not happened to date, and due to increased tensions in the community, a formal suspension should occur until proper community engagement has occurred,” he said. Cr McDonald said the new committee would inform the council of the risk and engagement process; considered conditions and negotiations involved in regard to mining and renewable energy; report to council any issues about the safety and concerns
of the community in relation to the development proposals; and the instrument of delegation to staff for decisions on mining and renewable energy be limited and restricted for approval by only a full council meeting. A small number of people in the gallery clapped when Cr McDonald read out his reasons behind the motions. “ This notice of motion is two years out of date, so it’s technically null and void as we speak,” he said. “It has no legal standing – it’s a document of honour. There is a 90-day notice required to end the agreement – well, it’s two years out of date anyway, so it’s technically void. But I will point out that we do not have an MoU with affected rate-paying farmers.” WIM Resource director of projects Micheal Winternitz said WIM Resource was ‘deeply disappointed’ by the council’s ‘unexpected decision’ to
suspend the MoU. “We value our excellent and long-standing relationship developed over the past decade with HRCC, and we reinforce that the MoU was intended to foster collaboration that maximises economic and community benefits for Horsham while ensuring best environmental practices for the Avonbank Mineral Sands Project,” he said. Mr Winternitz welcomed the opportunity to be consulted by HRCC, noting WIM Resource had undertaken extensive community consultation and was happy to share insights gathered at various community outreach opportunities. Cr Brian Klowss, who seconded the motion to suspend the MoU, said nothing had happened with the MoU document in the past two years since it was signed, and it needed to be reviewed. Continued page 3
IN THIS ISSUE • RegFest success • Monthly AgLife • Young wins national selection • Pat Cash Cup Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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