What’s News? (Issue35)
DPI Resources Survey
The DPI recently conducted a survey to determine the resources currently available in Victoria. The data collected in this survey will be reviewed by the DPI and will give an indication of the reserves currently available in the state. This information will be considered in the review of the Extractive Industries Development Act 1995.
OHS Transition from DPI to VWA
The Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) will be holding extractive industry specific workshops early in the New Year once the transition is finalised. Members will be sent initiations once the dates approach.
In the meantime, expect to see VWA inspectors visiting sites with DPI inspectors. As of the New Year, the VWA inspectors may visit without the DPI and will not generally phone ahead to announce they will be visiting.
Mount Granite Quarries Lease Issue Resolved
The CMPA and its Members have followed with interest the Mount Granite Quarries lease issue over the past few years.
The issue arose when the annual fee set by the DSE increased by 100% at its first review and by a further 129% at its second review in 2005, pushing the small dimensional stone quarry to the brink of closure.
After two years hard work and following Mr Oliver’s protest to the DSE with the assistance of the CMPA and the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, the DSE have made an offer and the two parties have reached an agreement.
The licence’s requirements have been revised to a more reasonable level for 10 years from an upfront payment for a 10 year extension to enabling Mr Oliver to continue the licence on an annual basis with an annual rental fee.
Stakeholders Regulatory Forum
The Stakeholders Regulatory Forum was held on the 1 November and was attended by Ron Kerr, Basil Natoli and Sarah Andrew.
Discussion points included:
- Review of the EIDA
- Multiple Government departments issuing information on how to get approval
- Review of Environmental Review Committees (ERCs)
- Triggers for Work Plan Variations
- Royalty rates
- Data available to support industry
- Native Vegetation Guidelines for the Earth Resources Industries
- Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006
- Community Engagement Initiative
- DPI Update
Review of the EIDA – Efficiency of Regulation
As part of the review of the Extractive Industries Development Act 1995 (EIDA), the DPI have commissioned a Dr Sheen to undertake a study titled “The Review of the Efficient Regulation of Victoria’s Extractive Industries”.
The project specifications are available from the CMPA.
This review will result in one of three recommendations:
- Revised EIDA — There is a significant level of public, safety and environmental risk arising from extractive industries requiring unique legislation and specialist regulatory functions.
- No EIDA, extractives under mines legislation — Some legislative provisions specific to extractive industries are retained and merged with the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (MRSDA), which is also administered by DPI and regulates the mining industry.
- No EIDA, extractives under planning/environment — DPI’s specialist regulatory functions for extractive industries could be devolved to generic legislation and generic regulators, such as planning and environment authorities
The CMPA recently met with Dr Sheen on this matter and will keep Members updated on any progress.
ERTS Forum
The latest Earth Resource Tripartite Safety Forum (attended by Sarah Andrew) was held in early November with key points including:
Department of Primary Industries
- Drilling targeted audit
- Progress of the National Mine Safety Framework
- The DPI’s role in 2008
Victorian WorkCover Authority, Construction & Utilities Program
- A ‘Your guide to quarries’ will be published
- Road shows will be held in February/March 2008
Victorian WorkCover Authority, Mining
- Industry to consider the audit program
- Issues are ranked by their claims history
- There are nine self assessment tools presently under development
Drugs and Alcohol Guidance and Fatigue Management
The Victorian WorkCover Authority has been asked to consider these two drafts and report back.
Targeted Audit–Drilling Operations
The DPI will be conducting a targeted audit of drilling operations across the state over the next few months.
Native Vegetation Management Framework
The CMPA recently made a submission to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) regarding the Earth Resources and Native Vegetation Management Framework. The key point made was that the CMPA feels that the protections provided under the Extractive Industries Development Act 1995 more than adequately address the Native Vegetation Management Framework. To ensure future supply, it is necessary to embed extractive industry exemptions within the DSE’s framework.
Further information will be provided in the next newsletter
Obituary – Lyn Donohue
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Lyn Donohue, wife of Kevin Donohue of Evans Quarries. Our deepest sympathies to Kevin and the Donohue family.
EPA PEM
The Protocol for Environmental Management (Mining and Extractive Industries) has been released by the Environment Protection Authority with copies now available from CMPA.
A full report will be included in the next newsletter.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login