Council
23 January, 2026
Mayor calls on minister for mine assurances
The Horsham Rural City Council mayor has asked the Victorian Government if it can ensure there will be no negative impacts on the community from the Avonbank Mine.
The Horsham Rural City Council mayor has asked the Victorian Government if it can ensure there will be no negative impacts on the community from the Avonbank Mine.
Cr Brian Klowss said the council has been actively working to secure the best outcome for the community ahead of the State Government’s decision on the mining licence application by WIM Resource PL.
The mayor recently met with Resources Victoria representatives and reiterated concerns previously outlined in a letter to the Minister for Energy and Resources at the end of last year.
“We know Resources Victoria and the Minister are considering this decision right now, and council is calling on Minister D’Ambrosio to demonstrate how she is listening to our concerns and responding, for everyone’s benefit," he said.
“I need to be assured that Minister Lily D’Ambrosio understands how the community are feeling about this project.
“Late last year, the Minister committed to meet with council on this matter.
“As the holiday period has now past, I’m anticipating I’ll have a date for that meeting to occur in the very near future.
The mayor said that while the proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Mine was a significant development for Horsham and the Wimmera region, it is vital that the social, environmental, and economic impacts are appropriately considered and managed.
“Not only does the community want assurances that the Minister understands community concerns, we also want assurances as to how the project proponent, WIM Resources, will respond to these concerns,” he said.
“How are they going to ensure there are no negative impacts from this proposal?”
“Until there is further consultation to address these matters, it is difficult for Council to be satisfied that the mining licence should be granted.”
A decision on the mining licence is scheduled for sometime in February.
