General News
18 July, 2025
Rallying Victorians in mining and renewable push
Farmers, landowners, and community members will gather at the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne on Wednesday, July 30, to rally against land rights in response to the government's decision to give renewable energy company workers the right to access agricultural land without the owner's permission.
This specifically concerns the rollout of the Victoria Northern Interconnector (VNI-West) across farming land in Victoria, which could affect more than 200 farmers who have vowed to hold firm and refuse entry.
The Bill was introduced to parliament in June.
Fines of more than $12,000 could be issued to farmers who maintain their locked gate campaign against the government's demand for access for energy company workers.
Additional fines may be issued if landowners fail to provide their name and refuse to remove signs related to the issue from their fences and gates.
Rallies, protests, and community meetings are being held across Victoria in increasing numbers as the fight to save the food bowl and prevent renewables on agricultural land statewide intensifies.
With more than 20 incorporated groups gaining strength through numbers and determination, their alliance is becoming a louder voice.
Meanwhile, Horsham will host an Information Forum on Mining and Renewables on July 23 at the Church of Christ, 91 River Road, beginning at 6.30 for a 7pm start.
Guest speakers include soil scientist John Russell, who will discuss the restoration of land after mining.
Professor Bill Malcolm, an agriculturalist and economist from the University of Melbourne, will discuss the essential role of social benefit cost analysis in informing development and decision-making.
Andrew Weidemann, Dunmunkle Land Protection Group chair, will speak on the impact of mining at the farm gate, land values, water availability, and restoration.
Ben Duxson, Wallaloo & Gre Gre District Alliance chair, will speak on renewable energy zones and farming land.
Co-organiser Andrea Cross, a Horsham businesswoman, will also speak.
States unite in fight
Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association (WMEAP) key members Andrew Weidemann and Ross Johns were guest speakers across the border in South Australia on Monday, July 7, at the Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association's first anniversary at Joanna near Naracoorte.
They shared accounts of their experiences in Victoria with mining regulation and protection of prime agricultural land from the pressure of renewable and rare earth mining investment.
They noted the need to unite and push for national reform to address gaps in landholder rights, consent laws, and environmental oversight.
They both shared stories of their campaign journey, which has included campaigns, rallies, and media campaigns.
The Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association (LCSFA) marked its first anniversary with a powerful show of community strength at its Annual General Meeting, reaffirming its leadership in the fight to protect prime agricultural land and groundwater from rare earth mining in the region.
Reappointed for a second term, association Chair Todd Woodard credited the work of a growing alliance of residents, councils, industry bodies, and landholders supporting its #SaveOurSoils campaign.
LCSFA is part of a growing cross-border movement of rural advocacy groups, such as Victoria’s.
“We know we’re not alone,” Mr Woodard said. “Across Victoria, communities are standing up for the future of food and fibre security, water resources and regional integrity, and we recognise the value of working together on a long-term national strategy.”
Read More: Horsham