Submissions & Issues (Issue 26)

Review of the Extractive Industries Development Act

The CMPA’s first submission regarding the review was made on 13 February 2006. The purpose of this initial stage is to raise fundamental issues rather than to provide solutions and detail specific clauses which need attention.

The complete review process will take some time with issues being worked through with Members and the Department as they arise.

Fundamental issues include:

• Efficient use of stone resources
• Ownership of rehab bonds
• Planning process
• Work plans
• Buffer zones

Environmental Effects Statements

Comments have been sought twice on EES guidelines with numerous CMPA concerns being addressed.

Conditions of Contract

The Major Works Contract has been completed with final approval to occur. The contract is flexible in that there are many issues that need negotiation for each contract, but at the same time provides sufficient important protections that should not easily be negotiated away.

Vic Roads approval of the document is now required to ensure that the document accords with the Ministerial Directive on contracts.

The CMPA will then seek informal approval from the ACCC prior to approaching the CCAA.

Transport Contract

This contract is being developed as a requirement of the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005, providing a means of formalising agreements between quarries and transport sub-contractors.

A meeting has taken place with the Department of Innovation, Industry & Regional Development for an update on developments under this Act.

Consent for Crown Land

Written, current consents are required from the manager of the land from which a quarry operates.

Several cases have come to light where quarries on Crown land do not hold such consents even though they have maintained their Work Authority and paid State royalties.

If you hold a Work Authority on Crown Land, please ensure that you hold current written consent to utilise that land from the appropriate land manager.

Streamlining Planning Permits

A submission on this was sent in February focusing on the wide range of difficulties reported by Members.

Most sincere thanks to Members and consultants who provided comments upon the issue at short notice

Industry Health Checks

The CMPA has commenced this project in an attempt to provide consistent monitoring and evaluation of the health of the workforce.

The project will include:

• Development of pre employment, routine and post employment health check templates
• Fact Sheets for employers and employees
• Supporting physician’s manual

This project will be postponed until clear direction is achieved from the OHS (Mines) Regulations due to the high potential of change in the requirements.

Escalating DSE Leases

The CMPA is presently in discussions with the Office of the Small Business Commissioner on this topic following a Member’s DSE lease increase from an initial $1,250 to $2,490 through to $5,600 in 2004.

A letter has been received from the DSE presenting further issues, which are being addressed.

Goolengook Forest Investigations

This is in its early stages with submissions not yet called for. It seems unlikely that the extractive industry will be affected by this small area becoming National Park.

The CMPA will however participate in this investigation and will again highlight the issue of buffer zones.

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