FROM THE CMPA’S CHAIRPERSON (Issue 38)

Welcome to Sand & Stone

Merging the extractive industries into mining legislation will be a challenge, writes GRANT PHILLIPS.

WELCOME to Sand & Stone, the CMPA’s magazine designed with the Victorian construction material sector in mind. This will continue the role of the CMPA News to be the means by which the association communicates its position and activities to all members and interested parties.

I would like to thank all those members and associates who contributed to the CMPA News during my term as chairperson. It is greatly appreciated and ensured the continual growth of the newsletter.

The purpose of the CMPA, as with this magazine, is to enhance the viability of its members as well as represent and support them through the ever-changing legislative environment.

The recent proposed alignment of the Extractive Industries Development Act (EIDA) into the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act (MRSDA) highlights the Victorian industry’s fluid state and vindicates the continued presence of the CMPA.

It appears that the Victorian government can see no pressing reason to keep the EIDA and in an effort to ‘reduce red tape’ (we think more so for government than for operators) has proposed to merge the two acts.

Merging these two longstanding acts will be no mean feat. Th e MRSDA regulates minerals which are resources owned by the state (royalties are payable) where the EIDA regulates stone which belongs to the land owner. There are plenty of challenges to be overcome with stark differences across the two acts.

For the CMPA to support this government initiative, it will need to be able to articulate to its members that there are benefits which enhance resource access and the approval process. An economic impact statement of the effect of the amalgamation of the acts upon our sector would go a long way to addressing these concerns.

Let’s not underestimate the Victorian construction material sector’s contribution to local communities. A quick investigation shows that our sector turns over approximately $1 billion of processed and delivered materials to our customers.

Th e construction material sector is not an optional industry and without it the state’s economy cannot continue to function. It is as significant as the supply of water and power and it is this fact we must expand upon in our dealings with state government, local councils and community groups.

THANK-YOU AND FAREWELL

After two terms at the helm of the Construction Material Processors Association, our Chairperson Grant Phillips is stepping down to focus on the development of his new quarry enterprise.

During this time, Grant has provided the association with both direction and leadership.

Particular examples include the transfer of occupational health and safety management to WorkSafe and the many meetings attended with the DPI on the review of the EIDA (which continues).

Grant has shown that all of us can make the time to contribute to the development and growth of the industry as a whole irrespective of how busy our lives can be.

Hopefully all members will take this on board when next considering how they can contribute to the association.

The time and effort Grant has contributed is greatly appreciated by all members of the CMPA and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login