There is hope yet for a peaceful way forward for farmers in NSW and Queensland battling against giant mining companies keen to dig up their land - the Victorian Farmers Federation and the Minerals Council of Australia have reached an agreement on exploration and mining on Victorian private land.
The two groups have jointly prepared a document to guide landowners on exploration and mining on private land.
But more importantly, they have also struck a Standard Agreement for Compensation for Mineral Exploration on Private Land.
More than 50pc of Victoria is currently subject to a mining or exploration licence.
VFF president Simon Ramsay and Victorian Division MCA Chairman Charlie Speirs said that these agreements should result in more harmonious relations between the two industries.
"This guide should be of considerable use to any farmer whose land may become of interest for mineral exploration," Mr Ramsay said.
"With the benefit of these guidelines, farmers will be able to approach this process with increased confidence."
Mr Spiers said the Minerals Council of Australia was prepared to help in the preparation of the booklet to ensure landholders were fully aware of the laws relating to minerals exploration and mining on their land.
"This guide lays out clearly and in plain language the rights and responsibilities of each party when a company wants access to private land for either exploration or actual mining," he said.
"Today’s agreement further illustrates the mineral industry’s commitment to multiple and sequential land use - ensuring that lands on which exploration and mining activities are undertaken are available for use by other users both concurrently with the mining activity and following its completion."
* Copies of the Guide to Private Landowners can be obtained at http://www.minerals.org.au/victor ia/publications_and_codes/current _publications
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