The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy and Resources (Vic), Media Release, 1 June 2026

Labor is strengthening mine rehabilitation requirements for agricultural land in the Wimmera Mallee.

Minister D’Ambrosio today announced the formation of the Mineral Sands Agricultural Land Restoration Working Group, bringing together farmers, experts and the resources sector to provide advice on land restoration. 

The working group will address concerns about the impact of mineral sands development on the long-term productivity of agricultural land, including how soil productivity can be restored, and over what timeframe.

The group will be chaired by Professor Mohan Yellishetty from Monash University, an expert in sustainable mineral resource development.

Victorian Farmers Federation, local Catchment Management Authorities, Yarriambiack Shire Council, Horsham Rural City Council, Agriculture Victoria and the Minerals Council of Australia representatives will form the group.

A broad range of stakeholders and technical experts will be engaged by the group to ensure robust, practical and regionally relevant advice is provided to Resources Victoria.

With more mining planned to take place in the Wimmera Mallee in the coming years, this working group will inform miners about how to minimise impacts on long-term farm productivity.

Farming and mining can coexist, and this work will make sure we maintain the productivity of Victoria’s agricultural land during and after mineral sands mining in the region.

Victoria’s Critical Minerals Roadmap is helping drive mineral sands development, which will coexist alongside farming, to benefit the regions where mining will take place.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio

“Restoring agricultural land in the Wimmera Mallee following mineral sands development is a critical part of the mining process, not an optional add on.” 

“We are making sure farmers have a seat at the table to tell us about their concerns and share their expertise.”

Quote attributable to VFF Grains Director and incoming VFF President Ryan Milgate 

“Victoria has three per cent of the nation’s arable land but produces 25 per cent of the nation’s agricultural output.  It’s imperative if this land is mined, we ensure it can be restored to its former condition.”

Quote attributable to Executive Director – Victoria Division, Minerals Council of Australia James Sorahan

“Our regional industries of farming and mining can work together.”

Quote attributable to Mineral Sands Agricultural Land Restoration Working Group Chair Prof Mohan Yellishetty 

“This group will provide independent, evidence?based guidance on restoring agricultural land post mining.”