FROM THE CMPA CHAIRMAN (Issue 72)
Challenges for the New Year
JOHN MAWSON, Chairman of the CMPA reflects on 2013 and the challenges that lie ahead for Members next year
IN 2011/12 58 million tons of extractive industry products were produced in Victoria. The value of this material was around $833 million. CMPA members account for approximately half of this production. Whilst sales volumes across the industry appear to be down there are some early signs of a recovery with members expressing a more positive outlook for 2014.
I am pleased to report that progress has been made with raising concerns about WA processes and Bond levels with Deputy Premier Peter Ryan. These issues were further stressed through specific site visits by the Red Tape Commissioner, John Lloyd. Also of note was the Government Response to the Economic Development Infrastructure Committee inquiry into Greenfields mineral exploration and project development in Victoria. The Government Response does partially reflect CMPA members’ concerns. The formation of the Earth Resources Reform Steering Committee consisting of representatives from the minerals and extractives industry including CMPA is one positive outcome.
The EDIC enquiry has led to the setting up of two Working Groups; one on Work Plans and the other on Rehabilitation Bonds. However, at the request of CMPA and others the working groups can look beyond the requirements of EDIC for further improvements to Earth Resources Regulation.
The CMPA has also been working hard on delivering education programs and lifting industry standards for example:
- Industry Employers and Educational Providers Workshop – leading to the Conduct Haul Truck Operators training being developed from the job description.
- Developing more materials for members such as the Blast Management Plan Template Workshop – leading to the development of the Draft Blast Management Plan Template that has been endorsed by WorkSafe.
- Policy and special interest fund. Funds went towards the development of training: Collect Routine Site Samples and Conduct Laboratory Based Tests, medical documents including Functional Assessment, Short Form Transport Contract and Credit Application (terms and conditions of trade)
Issues that CMPA will be actively
involved in next year include:
- Rehabilitation bonds
- Simplifications of Work Plans
- Fees for the Extractive Industry
- OH&S Act review
- Land management issues, e.g Native Vegetation, Cultural Heritage Management Plans
- Workshop on guarding with a view to developing Guidelines
- Workshop on traffic management with a view to developing Guidelines
- Development of Dust Management Guidelines
In 2014 the CMPA will continue to work hard at representing Members’ interests.
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