As Anthony Albanese prepares to meet Donald Trump in Washington this evening, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling on the Federal and State Governments to ensure farmers and regional communities are not ignored in the rush to secure rare earth minerals, fuelled by mounting geopolitical pressure to exploit Australia’s resources.
Currently several rare earth mineral sand mines are proposed in parts of western Victoria and Gippsland, with dozens more exploration licences covering hundreds of thousands of hectares.
VFF President Brett Hosking said concerns are growing from landholders in the vicinity of proposed mines about the real impacts on their farms, communities and the natural environment in the race to secure the critical minerals.
“This can’t be all one-way traffic where farmers and local communities are pushed aside, water is diverted, and irreplaceable farmland is damaged forever.”
“The community feels they don’t have a voice in the process which is to the detriment of the projects and good planning. These are the people who know the land, community and environment better than anyone else.”
“Some of the land earmarked for these mines is prime, irreplaceable farmland. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever and we must protect it before it’s too late.”
“The government and these companies must listen to the community and genuinely consult with those set to be impacted, otherwise we’ll continue to see massive community opposition right across regional Victoria,” Mr Hosking said.
Mr Hosking added the VFF is urging governments to strengthen consultation requirements, provide transparent information on environmental impacts, and ensure that agricultural productivity and water resources are not put at risk by mining operations.
“This can’t be a free-for-all driven by global politics.”
“We need a balanced approach that respects property rights, safeguards regional industries, and delivers lasting benefits to the communities that host these projects.”
“We might be a small fish up against these huge mining companies driven by global superpower tensions, but this land and these farmers matter and help provide food for millions.”
“We’re asking for genuine consultation and a voice to help safeguard generational farming families,” Mr Hosking said.