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From the Secretariat – Issue 84

By on February 2, 2016

Challenges for 2016

Elizabeth Gibson, General Manager of the CMPA reflects on 2015 and the challenges that lie ahead for Members this year.

In 2012/13 47 million tons of extractive industry products were produced in Victoria worth approximately $737 million (CMPA is still waiting for more recent figures from the State Government). CMPA members account for approximately half of this production. On average, approximately 10 tonnes/person/annum is required to meet growth requirements in Victoria. With an extra 100,000 people being added to Victoria every year, construction materials should be seen as a critical resource by Government. The Supply and Demand of construction materials survey is expected to be completed early on in 2016. It is predicted to show there are only 10 years of resource readily available around Melbourne. With new Work Authorities taking up to 8 years for approval there may be shortages of construction material close to Melbourne unless urgent action is taken to reduce red tape. This should be coupled with a community engagement strategy which highlights the importance of construction materials to the economic growth of Victoria.

The CMPA has also been working hard on delivering education programs and lifting standards, for example,

  • The finalisation of the CMPA Guidelines for the Blast Management Plan Template in the Construction Materials Industry and Traffic Management in the Construction Materials Industry;
  • Work Safely refresher training;
  • Training in the CMPA Guidelines for Guarding Plant and Equipment in the Construction Material Industry; and
  • Development of an online Chain of responsibility course in conjunction with IQA.

The following are future challenges which CMPA will be actively involved in this year:

  • Separation of extractive industry regulations from mines and coal mines;
  • Rehabilitation bonds;
  • Risk based Work Plans;
  • OH&S Act review;
  • Native vegetation permitted clearing regulations review;
  • Changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006;
  • Input into the Victorian Government’s development of a new Victorian water plan; and
  • Sequence of the Work Authority approval process i.e. to get approval from local council for the use of land prior to expenditure of obtaining an endorsed Work Plan.

Additionally, the CMPA will undertake the:

  • Development of CMPA Dust Management Guidelines with associated training;
  • Provision of training in CMPA Guidelines Working Safely with Geotechnical Risk in Quarries;
  • Development of CMPA Guidelines on Noise Management with associated training.

In 2016 the CMPA will also continue to work hard at representing Members’ interests and looks forward to working productively with the Minister for Energy and Resources, The Hon Lily D’Ambrosio and the Victorian Government on these issues.

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