Council
27 August, 2025
Renewables committee terms approved
The Horsham Rural City Council approved the Terms of Reference for the newly formed Mining, Renewables, and Energy Projects Working Group at its meeting on Monday, August 25.
The council agreed to form a working group consisting of two councillors, the council chief executive, and no more than two staff members involved in the process of mining, renewables, and energy to present recommendations to the council at its March meeting.
Mayor Ian Ross assured the chambers that the working group would have no decision-making powers, but would collect information through engagement with the community and stakeholders, and bring that to council, where decisions would be made.
"Council agreed on a working group to consider the impacts of mining, renewables and energy on the region and how best to respond to the social, economic, environmental impacts and potential benefits industries may bring to areas across Victoria," he said.
"Regional areas across Victoria are undergoing significant transitions due to these projects."
The mayor stated that there were considerable mining and renewable projects proposed or under construction across the municipality and beyond, and the council had an obligation to be fully informed and equipped to contribute to any discussion, submission process, or environmental effects study process that arose from these projects.
He also stated that the community must be confident in the council's ability to get across this matter.
"We think this group is a positive step forward for our community," Cr Ross said.
"Mining and renewables are subject to a range of Federal and State legislation that involves complex approval processes and regulation.
"The working group was formed to provide a dedicated amount of time for councillors to be informed in a balanced way by officers of the community and specialists in the relevant fields," he said.
Cr Todd Wilson spoke against the recommendation for the Terms of Reference for the Mining and Renewables Working Group at the August meeting, rather than leave chambers as he had done previously during discussions on this matter.
Cr Wilson told the Monday meeting that he believed the working group was unnecessary and that it was just another layer of bureaucracy.
"Council already has the power to make decisions regarding mining and renewables," he said.
"There is no extra financial or efficiency benefit."
Cr Wilson told the Mail-Times on Tuesday his family's farm was close to mining projects in the Wimmera, so he had cited a conflict and left chambers previously as a matter of caution.
"After seeking legal advice, I understood I didn't have a conflict and remained in chambers," he said.
The motion was successful five votes to two, with Crs Ross, O'Loughlin, Klowss, McDonald, and Munn voted in favour, while Crs Wilson and Sluggett against.
The HRCC Committee Framework Policy 2024 outlined the principles for establishing a separate committee of council, which must have a strategic policy focus, defined terms of reference, and submit regular reports to council, but would have no operational responsibilities.
Its purpose is to consider the social, environmental, and economic response to the issues raised by Mining, Renewables, and Energy policy aims and objectives.
Mining is primarily regulated through the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act (MRSDA).
It follows a three-step process, beginning with an Exploration Licence, followed by a Retention Licence, and then a Mining Licence.
Wind and Solar projects in the region include Murra Warra – RES 61 Turbines, Wimmera Plains 53 Turbines, Riffle Butts 13 Turbines, Natimuk Solar Facility, Horsham Solar Farm and the Murra Warra Solar farm.
Energy Projects in the region include the Horsham Energy Hub, featuring an ETS 60 MW Dual Fuel Power Station, a 20 MW facility, and a Hydrogen Generation Plant.
Renewable Projects are primarily regulated through the Planning and Environment Act 1987.