CMPA NEWS (Issue 59)
CMPA Secretariat provides an update of the latest news and happenings.
CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AT DPI
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has announced changes in the management structure in the Earth Resources area of DPI.
Dr Mike Hollitt , Executive Director of DPI Earth Resources has taken up a strategic projects role within the Policy and Strategy Group of the Earth Resources Division in DPI as at 7 November 2011. DPI has indicated that in his new role Mike will be continuing important work on a number of earth resources projects.
As a consequence of the change, Doug Sceney has been appointed as acting Executive Director Earth Resources Development Division until further decisions are made about an appointment to that role. Andrew Radojkovic will be acting as Director Earth Resources Regulation Division until 28 November 2011 aft er which time further arrangements for that role will have been resolved and implemented.
A number of CMPA members have expressed concern at the recent changes and their impact on the industry. The Secretariat will be discussing the impact of these changes on the extractive industries with other industry associations.
WEBSITE UPDATE
The CMPA website holds a wealth of information on your Association. It has recently been updated with the latest information on:
- Annual Dinner DVD presentation
- benefits of membership
- the associate suppliers
- details of the available reference manuals and safety checklists
- back copies of Sand & Stone magazine
- copies of all the CMPA submissions to Government representing members
- latest training and events.
The CMPA is your association, make the most of your membership and use the available services.
DPI LEAD AGENCY ROLE
A recommendation of the MRSDA Review Phase 2 has been that DPI takes a lead agency approach. Although the policy papers from Phase 2 have not yet been released, the DPI has an internal group working on this lead agency role.
The CMPA recently attended a meeting where the current status of the lead agency role was explained. The lead agency role is not currently recognised in legislation.
DPI is suggesting this role will provide clarity on facilitation services provided and is looking at a project management based approach. It is considering a scaled approach to facilitation and a process where clear information is available from a single point.
DPI is suggesting the system will promote efficient government decision making and is looking at web based application. DPI also sees this role as a way of advocating for industry interests. The concept of a lead agency role will only work if it is supported with skilled staff (i.e. DSE, EPA, AAV, water, planning etc) which presently is not the case.
The CMPA is supportive of a Lead Agency role performed by government enabling the central management of Extractive Industry Work Authorities. This role involves leadership with objectives covering:
- A strong stand in encouraging the presence of multiple material supply options across markets;
- Identifying and strengthening the protection of future stone resources;
- Placing a monetary value for extractive reserves (i.e. accounting of native vegetation)
- Coordinating and tracking the EIWA process to its conclusion within committed timelines.
- Supports the essential nature of the extractive industries to the Victorian economy.
WORKSAFE VICTORIA’S EARTH RESOURCES TRIPARTITE SAFETY FORUM
The Earth Resources Tripartite Safety Forum is run by WorkSafe Victoria (WSV) as a means of consulting more effectively with stakeholder organisations on occupational health and safety matters within the earth resources industries.
At the last meeting a number of subjects were discussed, including:
National Harmonised Health and Safety Laws
WSV stated that the State Government supports harmonisation but is concerned about the impact of the new regulations on costs and benefits to Victorian businesses. They were particularly critical of the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) process carried out by the Federal Government.
The State believes that the RIS did not provide the state with accurate costs and other impost on businesses in Victoria. The State Government has engaged Price Waterhouse Coopers to do a study into costs of introducing harmonisation into Victoria. No firm dates as to when harmonisation may be introduced in Victoria (possibly 1 July 2012 or 1 Jan 2013).
The Federal Government has indicated that it intends to press ahead with the harmonisation changes in January 2012 but two states Victoria and Western Australia have indicated that they will not join with the Commonwealth at present. WSV advised that once harmonisation regulations are passed into law in Victoria there would be a transition period but there are no details on how long at this stage.
WorkSafe Review of Fatigue Management in Mines Sector
A report was tabled by WSV on a review that they had carried out of fatigue management in the mines sector. The outcome of the report is that WSV does not propose to modify the oversight focus prioritisation for fatigue which will remain in the Earth resources three year strategy 2011-2014 as a hazard type.
WorkSafe’s expectation is that fatigue management matters are negotiated between individual site workers including Health Safety Representative’s and management relative to accepted industry standards. Should consultation not take place or a dispute arise the expectation is that the dispute resolution processes are engaged.
GROWTH CORRIDOR PLANS FOR MELBOURNE
The Growth Areas Authority has announced that the draft Growth Corridor Plans (GCPs) are now available for public comment following the consideration of a number of submissions that were received in November 2010 including one from the CMPA.
The GCPs set out the strategic plan for the future development of Melbourne’s growth corridors over the next 20 to 30 years. They apply to all land brought into the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) in 2010, as well as some undeveloped land in the former UGB.
The CMPA in its November submission expressed three key concerns:
- That the urban development is scheduled to occur through large tracts of Extractive Industry Interest Areas (EIIAs) and that consequently the EIIAs may be reduced as a result of this review.
- That the future work authority sites identified and currently located within the UGB will not be sufficient to cater for the required quarry products needed in the UGB by 2030. This leads to the need for future resources of quarry products to be identified and the land reserved for this use.
- The use of buffer zones. Although for some Work Authority sites it may not be possible for any development or activity to occur within the buffer zones, for others it may be possible subject to strict guidelines and the placement of compatible industries.
A second round of public consultation has now commenced and comment is sort on the draft GCPs proposed. The CMPA will review the draft CGCs and decide if a further submission is required.
2011/12 ASSOCIATES REFERENCE MANUAL
The 2011/12 Associates Reference Manual is finally complete and will be in the mail to you shortly. The manual is slightly larger than last year due to an increase in Associate Members taking up advertising and deciding upon taking out colour logos to brighten up their pages and stand out from the crowd.
Thank you to the twenty eight members who have taken out ads your support is greatly appreciated. Remember to Support the Suppliers who support you.
HEALESVILLE THE PLACE TO BE IN 2012!
The CMPA AGM & Dinner in 2012 heads to the Yarra Valley. On recommendations from members, a site visit to the RACV Club – Healesville was made. The visit involved a tour of the venue including the function rooms, bars, restaurants, accommodation, day spa suites and the picturesque golf course.
A drive through the town was also made to get a feel for other events that could be held for members across the weekend.
Another successfully fun and exciting time is being planned for Healesville including additional activities for members to get involved. Breakfast, wine tours, visit to Healesville Sanctuary and the Annual CMPA Golf Event are just a few ideas being passed around.
The Secretariat welcomes your ideas and suggestions for things to do during the dinner and on the weekend. Event details at present are as follows:
Date: Saturday 25th August 2012
Time: 6.30pm AGM & Dinner
Venue: RACV Club – Healesville Yarra Glen Rd, Healesville
Please book the date into your diary now as Healesville is a very popular destination. Look out for further information in future issues of Sand & Stone.
RECENT EVENTS
CMPA Associates Committee meeting was held at William Adams.
Gavin Moreira and Tej Panesar (TSP Group of Companies) visited the RACV Club, Healesville which is the proposed venue for the CMPA 2012 AGM and Dinner.
CMPA Management Committee meeting was held in Kilmore.
Bruce McClure attended a meeting with DPI regarding the Phase 1 components of the Minerals Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (MRSDA) review.
CMPA members attended a peak Bodies Focus Group organised by Pricewaterhouse Coopers and a workshop organised by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria regarding a review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
CMPA met with Adam Gordon (Orica), Chris Terry (Box Hill TAFE) and Doug Wyatt (Worksafe) regarding changes to the Shotfirers Renewal Course.
CMPA attended a meeting with DPI regarding Phase 2 of the MRSDA review to discuss the Lead Agency.
Gavin Moreira and Sean Kinder met with Noel Pickering (Box Hill TAFE) to discuss the updates to the Work Safely Reference Manual.
CMPA and Frank Santoro (Orica) met with WorkSafe Victoria to discuss possible changes to explosives guidelines and the proposed requirements for the blast management plans needed at quarry sites.
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