General News
29 January, 2025
Mine Free president reflects on busy 2024
Following the inception of Mine Free Wimmera Farms in February last year, president Dean Johns has looked back on a busy 10 months.
Mr Johns highlighted the most recent developments of the environment effects statements being approved by the Victorian Government, saying this had heightened activities and emotions for everybody involved.
He said the future was unknown for a lot of landholders.
"What we do know is that we have a strong body of people on the same page as far as fighting for what we want not to happen to a large portion of prime farmland in this area," Mr Johns said.
"A lot of effort and time has gone into multiple discussions and meetings with stakeholders, and this will continue for at least the next few months, if not years."
Mr Johns said in regard to the Avonbank project, he believed the new Horsham Rural City Council and CEO would be of assistance and supportive.
"We have initiated engagement with them and if we can continue open dialog with them hopefully there will be a positive outcome from them rather than negative," he said.