CMPA NEWS (Issue 54)
CMPA Secretariat provides an update of the latest news and happenings.
DOCUMENT DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
The CMPA has recently appointed Sean Kinder to the role of Document Development Officer. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Business at Swinburne University in Melbourne. He comes to us with experience and knowledge of the industry and the association through his work in the family business, Kinder & Co (Associate Members) in Braeside.
Sean’s key role in the short term is to undertake a review of the following Reference Manuals Perform Basic Cutting & Welding, Work Safely and Service & Maintain: Conveyors, Bins & Hoppers and map them to the new course competencies.
He will also be liaising with CMPA Members conducting interviews and taking site photos in relation to the update.
We wish Sean all the best as he assists with the writing of the next series of CMPA Reference Manuals.
CMPA ASSOCIATE COMMITTEE MEETING
In early December the CMPA Associate Committee held its latest meeting. Discussions included issues around the next AGM and Annual Dinner to be held in Echuca/Moama. Items discussed included, sponsorship, entertainment and activities to make the event a fun filled weekend.
The growth and development of Sand & Stone was discussed and the importance of Associate Member contributions in the form of editorial, advertorials and staff profiles to help keep the content interesting for all readers.
The CMPA Website needs to keep being developed and utilised by Members not only as a resource but as a key marketing tool for the association and the industry. Other sponsorship opportunities for 2011 are being investigated including regional trade shows in conjunction with workshops.
A Survey has been circulated to gain an understanding of member needs, please complete and return to the Secretariat.
ASSOCIATE VISITS BY SECRETARIAT
The coming months will see Gavin Moreira visit Associate Members to not only say hello and put faces to names but obtain valuable information on how the CMPA is travelling and how we can better help your company grow.
The first two visits were held in the eastern part of Melbourne on Thursday 2nd and Monday 13th December. This involved site visits of eleven Associate Members.
The Associates were very happy with the presentation, content and advertising opportunities in both CMPA publications Sand & Stone and the Associates Reference Manual. They also acknowledged the numerous networking opportunities associated with sponsoring the AGM and dinner, the General Meeting of Members and other workshops and training days throughout the year.
There is great anticipation of the 2011 AGM & Dinner in Echuca/Moama, which looks to be a very fun filled weekend.
It was great to hear that all Associates were very appreciative of what the CMPA does for its Members. The CMPA’s attitude towards safety and compliance is a major plus and draw card towards attracting membership.
The Associates are all looking and hoping to get more involved with quarrying in the New Year to improve and expand their businesses.
Thank you to all the members recently visited by Gavin for taking the time to show him around your site and providing him with valuable information.
CMPA 2011 AGM & DINNER
Sponsorship for the 2011 AGM & Dinner at the Moama Bowling Club in Moama has opened.
All Associates were emailed a copy of the Sponsorship Flyer back on the 16th December 2010. At present we have commitment from six Associate Members at different sponsorship levels.
Get in early to avoid disappointment!
EPA COMMUNITY FORUM
On 2 December 2010 the CMPA attended the inaugural Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Community Forum held by the EPA in Melbourne. The forum was opened by John Merritt Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the EPA who stated that this Community forum will be first of several proposed and that they will be held on a regular basis. The forum was open to the general community.
It was stated that the EPA is committed to establishing an ongoing conversation with Victorian communities through these forums. It wants to hear the communities’ views on the protection of Victoria’s environment and wants to provide all community members who attend these forums with an insight into the work of the EPA and its ongoing transformation into a modern environmental regulator.
To help it achieve the above the EPA has joined forces with Environment Victoria.
The CEO highlighted that the following projects are taking priority at present.
These include:
- The Tullamarine Land Fill
- The HRL-Dual Gas Power Station
- The Climate Change Act – 20% reductions in Green House Gases by 2020
- The Dandenong South Health Study
- The Maddingley Land Fill
Comment was also made about the EPA‘s Compliance and Enforcement review.
The final report will be completed by the 30 December 2010. There were twenty eight submissions from organizations (including the CMPA) plus ten individual submissions. The CMPA will review the report once it has been published and open for comment.
The final activity at the forum was for the attendees to put forward topics that they wanted discussed at future community forums. The forum was well attended but I am concerned at the lack of Industry representatives present.
There were a number of people present who were there to bring attention to a single current issue that obviously was of major concern to them but it tended to hijack the forum discussion at times.
In future forums there will obviously be a number of issues that directly relate and/or may impact on the Extractives Industry and therefore it will be vital that the CMPA is in a position to counter or at least become aware of these issues and then quickly address them by ensuring attendance of CMPA Members and/or the Secretariat at future forums.
LOW IMPACT EXPLORATION DEFINITION CHANGE
In July 2009 the Victorian Government in response to a Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) report (“A Sustainable Future for Victoria: Getting Environmental Regulation Right) supported a recommendation from VCEC to review and agree to administrative changes to the definition of “low level exploration” based on environmental impact rather than the use of mechanical equipment.
Following on from this, VCEC in July 2009 recommended that the Department of Primary Industry (DPI) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) review the definition of “low impact exploration” in the Mineral Resources (Sustainability Development) Act 1990 and to propose a legislative amendment to this definition based on environmental impact and drawing on the work of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.
Although this proposed changed to the definition does not impact directly on the Extractives Industry, advice from CMPA Members is that we need to ensure that this remains the case and that any changes to the legislation or to any other explanatory details do not impact directly on CMPA Members in the future.
WEBSITE UPDATE
There is a strong push within DPI and DSE to keep the regulations developed as non-proscriptive as possible and use a Code of Practice produced for “low level exploration” as the means of explaining the process and requirements.
The Secretariat will monitor this proposed legislative change over the months ahead.
The CMPA website holds a wealth of information on your Association. It has recently been updated with the latest information on:
- the suppliers who support the CMPA,
- details of available reference manuals,
- back copies of Sand & Stone magazine,
- complete copy of the CMPA report, An Unsustainable Future: The prohibitive costs of securing access to construction material resources in Victoria,
- copies of all the CMPA submissions to Government representing members views
- latest training and events
The CMPA is your association, make the most of your membership and use the available services.
SHOTFIRERS REFRESHER TRAINING & ASSESSMENT
Is your Shot Firers licence near the end of its 5 year term? Have you received a request from WorkSafe to renew your Shot Firers licence?
If so, you need to attend the 1 day CMPA organised refresher training course for currently licensed Shot Firers, presented by Box Hill Institute of TAFE.
The training will be conducted in the morning and followed in the afternoon by the Victorian WorkCover Authority examination for the Use of Blasting Explosives.
The event details are:
Date: Wednesday 2nd March 2011
Time: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Venue: Box Hill Institute of TAFE, Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill
Cost: $400 Members, $500 Non Members, (includes $150 WorkSafe fee)
EXPLOSIVES ACT PACK
Compilation of relevant explosives regulations & Australian Standards. Suggested pre examination reading and a great reference to have in the lunch room.
Cost is $250 for CMPA Members and $400 for Non Members.
Contact the CMPA Secretariat for more information on 1300 267 222 or enquiries@cmpavic.asn.au
RECENT EVENTS
Secretariat met with Alan Beacom from WorkSafe Victoria to discuss
safety issues concerning the industry.
Shotfirer’s Refresher Training was held at Box Hill Institute of TAFE.
Secretariat attended an Extractive Industries Forum at Box Hill Institute of TAFE to discuss new training initiatives being delivered in 2011.
Bruce McClure attended a Geotechnical Information session held at Latrobe University in Bundoora.
Associates Committee Meeting was held at WAM Australia in Kilsyth followed by a brief site visit of their warehouse.
Secretariat conducted site visits to eleven Associate Members throughout eastern Melbourne.
Bruce McClure attended the EPA Community Forum in Melbourne.
Secretariat attended DPI function, discussing the achievements in 2010 and the visions for 2011.
Bruce McClure attended a DPI Workshop on Low Impact Exploration.
Tim Bird, Ron Kerr and Bruce McClure met with Paul Kennett (Executive Director) from Manufacturing and Engineering Skills Advisory Board (MESAB) to discuss education and training.
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