As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares to meet with U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump in Washington, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is urging the Federal and State Governments to ensure Australian farmers and regional communities are not overlooked amid the growing global race to secure rare earth minerals.
With several rare earth mineral sand mines proposed across western Victoria and Gippsland—and dozens more exploration licences covering vast areas of farmland—concerns are mounting among landholders about the potential long-term impacts on agriculture, water resources, and rural communities.
VFF President Brett Hosking said that while Australia’s rare earth reserves are critical to meeting global demand for clean energy and technology, the nation must not sacrifice its agricultural heartland in the process.
“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,” Mr Hosking said.
“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.”
Mr Hosking emphasised that some of the land being targeted for exploration and mining is among Australia’s most productive agricultural zones.
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever and we must protect it before it’s too late,” he said.
The VFF is calling for stronger consultation requirements, greater transparency around environmental impacts, and a commitment from governments to ensure that agricultural productivity and water security are not jeopardised by mining operations.
“This can’t be a free-for-all driven by global politics,” Mr Hosking warned.
“We need a balanced approach that respects property rights, safeguards regional industries, and delivers lasting benefits to the communities that host these projects.”
Mr Hosking added that despite the immense power of international mining interests, the livelihoods of Australian farming families must remain a national priority.
“We might be a small fish up against these huge mining companies driven by global superpower tensions, but this land and these farmers matter—they help feed millions,” he said.
“We’re asking for genuine consultation and a voice to help safeguard generational farming families.”
The VFF’s message is clear: Australia’s path to energy and resource security must not come at the cost of its most vital resource—its land and the farmers who work it.
