DSDBI Update
JOHN MITAS, General Manager Operations, Earth Resources Regulation provides an update on the review of Work Plan Approvals.
THE Department of State Development, Business and Innovation (DSDBI) has set up a steering committee made up of representatives from CMPA, CCAA, MCA and DSDBI to review work plan approvals under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (MRSDA).
The review is in response to the outcomes of the Inquiry into Greenfields Mineral Exploration and Project Development in Victoria undertaken by the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee (EDIC). The EDIC Inquiry recommended that the Victorian Government adopt risk based work plans and to take steps to streamline the work plan approval process.
In addition to implementing the EDIC recommendations, the steering committee will further develop work plan reform options for the Victorian mining and extractive industries.
One of the projects identified to assist industry in the preparation of work plans is to develop an electronic work plan template. The work plan template will aim to:
- rationalise the content of the work plan to focus on risks and risk mitigation;
- minimise the iterations currently required for the work plan to be of an acceptable standard;
- provide for a consistent approach in the assessment of work plans by DSDBI; and
- reduce the time taken to assess and finalise work plans.
DSDBI is currently working on a draft Request for Quote (RFQ) to engage a consultant to develop this template. The steering committee will be inputting on the RFQ and the draft template as it is developed and will oversee this project and other initiatives that will be developed and implemented to streamline the work plan approval process.
DSDBI looks forward to working with key stakeholders including CMPA on this challenging topic.
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