From the Chairperson (Issue 120)
Challenges for 2022
JASON COMBEN, CMPA Chairperson (2021-2024).
By now 2022 is in full swing and the industry looks to be having a big year. I consider myself to be a glass half type but like a complaints hotline this column is lacking happy stories.
COVID-19
Many members have managed their way through COVID to date and between the various support programs and economic stimulus some have even enjoyed some growth despite the litany of mandates and lockdowns Victoria has endured. This is in no small part due to the lobbying by the CMPA. The minefield that is mandatory vaccinations, close contact isolations and positive test absences will continue to trouble us all in the short term until we then turn our attention to logistical issues associated with supply chain disruption. Associated cost increases is a topic on its own.
Work Plan/Work Plan variation approvals (or lack of)
Despite being 2022 if you refer to some of Gary Cranny’s columns from previous years you will note that we still suffer the ongoing issue of an under resourced, inexperienced and frequently turned over Earth Resources Regulation (ERR) Approvals team. Unfortunately, the statistics the Government uses to measure the team’s effectiveness masks the true picture of Victoria’s dwindling supply capacity in the face of a growing market. The exasperation and hopelessness with the approvals process is being felt first by family-owned quarries such as Chris Ryan Earthmoving on the front cover of Sand & Stone who is stepping away from the extractive industry. The Planning and Environment Act is undergoing a parliamentary review with the CMPA proposing that the Minister for Planning be the determining authority and not Local Government Authorities (LGAs). This will remove the approvals process from local politics (possibly!).
Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act (MRSDA) Reform
The MRSDA needs reforming, however, the proposal by the Victorian Government to remove the statutory endorsed work plan appears short sighted. The intent of the reform being proposed is for the proponent to go straight to LGAs for planning permit approval. This is likely to lead to further delays, costs etc. due to local politics and lack of experience of the LGAs. It could be argued it also reduces the need for an ERR at all given the increased role of numerous statutory bodies, Workcover etc. CMPA is currently in discussions with DJPR.
Supply and Demand Study
A Supply and Demand Study for construction materials (including recycled construction and demolition waste) is being conducted by DJPR. The challenge is to ensure that the supply side of the estimates are based on tonnes of construction material already approved for extraction only. We will also attempt to identify that the last study indicated that the state was rich in material groups of limited use and value and in deficit for the high value and high demand products that they need to undertake their program.
Rehabilitation policy
The CMPA has completed a study on ERR Rehabilitation Policy and Bonds which is due to be made available shortly and makes a number of recommendations for ERR. Tenfold increases in bonds have been a common story from our members that have gone through this process recently but again education of the team and the application of real-world figures will assist in trying to find a compromise. Unfortunately, from my own experience, I can only tell you to expect some pain. Hopefully we will see each other this year at the annual dinner or at one of the various workshops and meetings the CMPA will conduct where I promise to have my glass at least half full.
Keep on truckin’, washing, crushing or whatever you do to keep our industry processing.
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