Tuesday, 18 February 2025

 Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (12:56): (1371) My question is for the Minister for Planning. Community members in the Wimmera Mallee have approached me with concerns about the recent approval of the WIM Resource environment effects statement, or EES, for the proposed Avonbank mine. Specifically, the minister has approved a 250-metre buffer zone between the mine pit boundary and the Dooen freight hub, which transports 15,000 containers of wheat, hay and legumes per year. Concerningly, the buffer intersects this freight-loading facility, the Adelaide to Melbourne rail line and the Wimmera Highway, where school buses travel. The updated EPA Separation Distance Guideline 2024 states that 250 metres is often inadequate to address human health and amenity impacts, particularly those involving dust, even when a site is operating at best practice. This is consistent with observations from other jurisdictions, both nationally and internationally. Minister, will you review the 250-metre buffer zone to ensure safe distances between the mining boundary and industrial infrastructure, as per the EPA guidelines?