FROM THE CMPA SECRETARIAT (Issue 51)
A New Decade – A New Generation
CMPA’s Associate Chairperson, DAVID BATSON reflects on the past twelve months and a new way forward.
THE CMPA and its Members, including Associates have enjoyed 10 years of growth and we now embark on another decade of value added services to our Members.
This time last year, we released A Mosaic of Members Views – 10 years of the CMPA which provided a wonderful insight into the association and its impact on Members across a wide variety of extractive industries.
In the past fiscal year the CMPA provided guarding and dust workshops; work safely, crushing and screening training days and shot firers’ refresher training.
Other milestones to reflect upon were Minister Batchelor’s (Minister for Energy & Resources) and Geoff Howard’s (Local Member for Ballarat East) visit to Walsh Ballarat Quarries and Premier Brumby’s attendance to the opening of Alex Fraser’s New Facility at Laverton.
A CMPA Member’s Day was held at Bendigo, which included a site visit to Allstone Quarry, a Guarding Workshop and a General Meeting of Members.
On the 21st of August we will all gather at the RACV Club in Melbourne for our AGM and Dinner which I will have no doubt will surpass all expectations and provide a wonderful atmosphere and forum to catch up with colleagues and partners in a relaxed environment.
After 5 years as Chairperson of the Associates I feel it’s time to pass the baton on to enable others seeking an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the industry.
A new Associate Chairperson will be elected as this issue goes to print. Details of the new Associate Committee will be in the next issue of Sand & Stone.
William Adams has been successful in obtaining the dealership for the global launch of the CAT On Highway Truck CT610 and CT630 which is being manufactured and assembled at Tullamarine, Victoria by NC2 a Navistar, Caterpillar 50-50 joint venture Company.
As Business Manager for CAT Truck, William Adams we have responsibility to establish the foundations of a successful CAT On Highway truck dealership which complements our existing truck service and parts business.
I don’t plan to step away from the CMPA and look forward to continuing our associate membership, be on the committee as well as catching up with many of you at the upcoming AGM and Dinner.
It’s important I recognise the contribution of all those on the Associate Committee and the support provided to me over the past 5 years. In particular the Secretariat, Sarah, Briony and most recently Gavin which certainly enables us to be involved, without their support much of what has been achieved would not be possible.
We look forward to seeing you at our AGM and Dinner in August and a prosperous 2010-2011 financial year ahead.
INDUSTRY POLICY DEVELOPMENT
With the State election looming upon us, the Association must clearly articulate to both sides of politics our key policy directions to reduce the regulatory burden and ensure future resource security.
Although the CMPA’s policy directions are still being developed, following are particular areas of concern. The Secretariat would welcome your comments to assist us in finalising these policy directions.
To have a modern planning system that accounts for economic, social and environmental values.
To streamline the planning approval process by removing unnecessary duplication of referrals to referral agencies and ensuring statutory approval time frames are enforced.
To have an accessible, accountable planning appeals process that is a court of the people with limited costs for all.
To develop an improved Native Vegetation process that removes impediments for industry and delivers the required environmental outcomes.
Government to embrace role of steward of stone resource, identify key resources and provide planning protection for these key resources to enable future generations to benefit from Victoria’s natural geological endowment.
To develop an improved Cultural Heritage process that removes impediments for industry and delivers the required heritage outcomes.
The local community is consulted in an appropriate manner.
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