FORUM TO REVIEW WORK PLANS & DPI PROCESSES

By on July 14, 2005

Basil Natoli, Bell, Cochrane & Associates

The CMPA, in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries, is preparing a forum to review Work Plans and the current DPI processes in requesting new Work Plans, variations/updates and their assessment and approval.

These processes are proving a major and expensive source of frustration to consultants, operators and to DPI officers. In particular, the consistency of advice and requirements from DPI officers is a significant issue.

It is proposed that the forum be held in mid August and be run in conjunction with the DPI who are currently reviewing their position on the Work Plan processes. Prior to this meeting all CMPA Members will be contacted to provide them with an opportunity to put forward their issues and concerns with their Work Plans and the DPI processes. These issues will be summarised and presented to DPI in the forum.

The forum will be open to any interested Members and all consultants/industry personnel involved in preparing and using Work Plans.

By the end of this meeting we aim to have a comprehensive list of the issues with the current Work Plan processes and proposals for improvements to be negotiated with the DPI. It is likely that a working group of industry operators, consultants and DPI will need to be formed to develop improved Work Plan formats and processes.

The proposed format of the forum includes an address by the CMPA Chairman, outlining the scope of the forum and introducing the DPI representatives to those present. The DPI will then explain the role of Work Plans under relevant legislation, what the legislation requires the Work Plan to contain, the role of the Work Plan in the planning approval process and what triggers their requirement for a new Work Plan/variation to a Work Plan/updated Work Plan.

The CMPA would then present the summary of the results obtained from the Members survey, followed by an open discussion on various issues relating to the Work Plans and the DPI processes.

The DPI will finish up by presenting their review of the Work Plan processes. The CMPA will provide a summary and close the forum.

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