General News
3 March, 2025
Decision reversed
At the eleventh hour, The Wimmera Machinery Field Days reversed their decision to allow mining groups to exhibit at the 2025 event on March 4-6.
In response to the Wimmera Mail-Times request for information, the WMFD secretary Vanessa Lenehan said on Sunday March 1 mining groups would now be excluded from exhibiting at the event.
She said the WMFD did not have a view on mining, but due to the risk of antagonistic behaviour and the threat of disruptive boycotts to the event they felt compelled to do so, but did not clarify who had made the threats or to whom.
"The WMFD exists to foster innovation and discussion on issues that impact prosperous agriculture and regional communities," she said.
"We are a not for profit community group that does not take a position on individual industries but believe in open and considered dialogue.
"Bringing communities together to share perspectives is at the heart of what we do," she said.
"The decision had been made in the interest of public safety and it was a difficult decision to make.
"It’s unfortunate that an exchange of views will now not take place, however community safety is our number one priority," she said.
"Our focus remains on delivering a successful Field Days that drives productivity."
Sunday's decision not to allow mining groups to exhibit at the event follows the committee's decision in November 2024 not to accept or seek sponsorship from mining companies after concerns were raised by members of the Victorian Farmers Federation about what they perceived to be a conflict of interest by the committee.
However, the committee said it would accept advertising from and allow mining companies to exhibit at the 2025 event.
Significant mining advertising appears in the WMFD program but they are no longer permitted to exhibit.
Whether the WMFD will have to refund the advertising dollars, how much that was and what this means to the profitability of the event was not provided to the WMT.
WIM Resource Project Manager MIchael Winternitz said, "WIM Resource is disappointed by the decision to exclude mining groups from this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days but respects the event organisers' difficult position.
"The past eight years, the Field Days have been an important opportunity for WIM and the community to come together, giving locals a chance to learn facts, ask questions, share ideas, and help shape how we support the region," he said..
"While we’re disappointed to miss out this year, our commitment to engaging with the community remains the same.
"Our Community Hub at 83 Firebrace Street will continue to be a welcoming place for discussions, and we encourage community members to drop by," he said.
David Flemming responded on behalf of Astron Limited for Donald Mineral Sands MIne saying, " On this occasion, we won't be offering a comment."
The proposed WIM Resources P L Avonbank MIne at Dooen and the Donald Mineral Sand Mine at Minyip have both been met with opposition by members of the agricultural community whose farms would be impacted by the mines..
A ercenrt investigation by Horsham Police resulted in the arrest and questioning of a Horsham man on February 12, 2025, for fraudulently lodging documents relating to a mining project.
Spokesperson for the Horsham police said the man was not charged but the investigation was ongoing.
