7 October 2026

Federal Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says Minister Carroll’s decision to green-light the Avonbank mineral sands mine on the eve of an election is deeply concerning.

Resources Victoria has confirmed the mining licence for the proposed project north-east of Horsham. The licence covers up to 3,426 hectares over 38 years. Mining cannot begin until a detailed work plan and rehabilitation plan are approved and a rehabilitation bond is paid.

“We should not be approving new critical minerals projects until proper protections for productive agricultural land are in place and the impacts on farmers and regional communities have been properly assessed,” Dr Webster said.

“This mine is proposed in the heart of one of Victoria’s great agricultural regions—an area that grows, processes and exports high-value produce. Minister Carroll is playing Russian roulette with productive farmland, farmers’ livelihoods and the wider rural economy.

“An agricultural land restoration working group has only just been established to deal with the impact of mining on farmland. That work has barely begun, yet Minister Carroll is pushing ahead with projects that could have consequences for generations.

“It is completely backwards.

“You don’t approve the mines first and work out how to protect and restore the farmland later.

“Horsham Rural City Council and local people have raised serious questions about compliance, rehabilitation, monitoring and who carries the risk if things go wrong. Those concerns do not disappear simply because Minister Carroll has granted a licence.

“Minister Carroll needs to explain why this project is being pushed through before an election when protections for our farmers and agricultural land are still being worked out. Wimmera families deserve answers before decisions are made that could affect their land, livelihoods and communities for generations.”