VITAL CMPA UPDATES (Issue 23)

Sarah Andrew, CMPA Project Manager

TRANSPORT FORUM

Friday 23 September saw over 40 attendees gather at the Airport Hotel in Tullamarine for the Transport Forum.

The forum saw attendees gain an introductory understanding of the recently changed Australian Design Rule 70 concerning diesel emissions, industry presentations by Andrew Burdett and Jeff Wakeman focusing on how their operations manage transport as a whole, and a presentation by Andrea Lester and Jane Kelly concerning the recently approved ‘Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Bill’, how it will effect the industry, and how the Small Business Commissioner may assist in conflict situations.

Following these presentations, attendees were split into teams with the following issues to address – headings to create a checklist to establish the base cost of transport; employment and training schemes; variance from the benchmark cost model; and finally what do we need to do to implement the ‘Owner Drivers & Forestry Contractors Bill?’

A summary of the information gathered at this forum will be refined and released over the coming month.

FORUM TO REVIEW WORK PLANS & DPI PROCESSES

A second forum was held on Friday 30 September, again with approximately 40 attendees, although this time the venue was La Trobe University and the topic of discussion the Work Plan process. Presentations were made by the DPI, in particular John Mitas, who gave an overview of the system, Mike Matthews who detailed the revised G3 (Guidelines about Work Plan Information for Extractive Industries over an area of 5HA or more or greater than 2 metres in depth) and a Client Work Plan Checklist for the G3, and finally Graeme McLaughlin who detailed the recently developed Triggers for Work Plan Variation.

Following these presentations attendees raised concerns they held in relation to the Work Plan system and how the system could perform better. This session included a presentation by Mary Thompson in relation to her site’s recent variation.

Following afternoon tea, a team session was held with two groups reviewing the G3 and its checklist and another two groups reviewing the Triggers for Work Plan Variation. The teams consisted of Work Authority owners, the consultants who develop the Work Plans, and the regulators.

Those present consistently noted the benefits of having the opportunity to speak to the regulator and better understand where they were coming from.

Again, a summary of the information gathered at this forum will be refined and released over the coming month.

NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING

A General Meeting has been scheduled for Friday 25 November with a number of proposals being made for keynote presentations. In addition, this will be the CMPA’s annual breakup of the year and will also incorporate the first ever meeting of the ‘Young CMPA’. If you or your company is interested in assisting in some manner or would like a particular issue addressed in some form, please call Sarah on 03 9745 2132 as soon as possible.

CMPA PATRON

For the last five years, the CMPA has been honoured to have Professor Ross Williams as our patron. His knowledge and skills in the field of economics has been a guiding light to the Association particularly on issues such as rehabilitation bonds, bench-marking, and transport issues to name a few.

Unfortunately, Professor Williams will be moving on at the conclusion of this year as he takes on a new role within the Commonwealth Grants Commission.

The role of the Patron of an Association is someone who supports or champions the Association’s purpose. If you have any suggestions as to who the CMPA should approach as their new Patron, please contact Sarah.

CMPA DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

The CMPA has recently engaged Mr Adrian Town, formally of Terex Jaques, to take on the role of Development Officer. This role will involve being the face of the CMPA with one of his major objectives being to visit CMPA Members on a regular basis.

Exact details are still being worked out, however it is anticipated that the position will be on a casual basis. Further information and a profile on Adrian will be in the next newsletter.

CRUSHING & SCREENING UNITS

Most sincere thanks is extended to all those businesses who took the time to review the draft outline for the crushing and screening units. Their contributions will ensure that the final material is relevant and current to those within the industry.

Voting Members will also note that they will have received an invitation to sponsor any one of the eight available units.

For $6,000 for sole rights or $3,000 to share with another, this will see your company featuring on the front cover and in a number of other locations throughout the training manual giving your business the opportunity to:

• Publicly demonstrate their commitment to industry and the education and training of it’s workforce
• Create pride within your business due to being a showpiece of industry
• Be recognised both within industry and the wider community as an industry leader for years to come

Please note that applications will be taken on a first in – best dressed basis and will close once all positions are taken.

LEASE AGREEMENTS

We were recently advised of a site who did not have their lease agreement signed whilst using the site and have been subsequently locked off the site with the equipment still on site.

It is absolutely essential that this issue is addressed before using a site due to the potential difficulties that you may be presented with.

EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY LICENSES

A Member has informed the CMPA that they recently noted that their Council Permit was to expire in 2007 as a result of it being issued under the old system of licensing sites. They consulted with the DPI on this issue who replied that they would need to make the council aware of the change in licensing and ensure that the permit runs for the life of the resource.

During these discussions, it was noted that some WA holders have not kept abreast with the paperwork and had suffered the consequence of losing their WA due to the expiry of the permit.

Please check your Council Permit today to ensure that you are not the next person to run into such trouble!

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