FROM THE CMPA SECRETARIAT (Issue 61)

By on February 11, 2012

Handover of the Treasury baton

Robin Hocking reports on his long involvement with the CMPA, and introduces the new Treasurer to the members.

IN 1999 I was invited to attend the inaugural meeting of the CMPA to be held at a service station at Beveridge. That seemed logical, Beveridge being the location of Conundrum Holding’s scoria quarry. At approximately 6.00pm, being the starting time for the meeting, Basil Natoli and I were “hooning” up and down the Hume Highway trying to identify a service station where a meeting was about to be held. Mobile phone reception at the time was not good. Eventually it transpired the meeting was about to commence at the corner of Cooper Street.

Basil and I arrived just in time. Numbers comprised approximately 15 quarry personnel, sufficiently interested to at least attend and see what might develop. The meeting was very quiet and so was supper – may have been a reflection on the quality of the food.

From memory, the next meeting increased to 25 quarry persons and members were starting to recognise each other. The third meeting was very well attended and noisy, and it had become obvious that members had many interests in common including shared problems and concerns, plus a very serious interest in how their family assets would survive and progress into the future.

Within those first three years of the CMPA, I observed the development of a strong association with members keenly interested in the extractive industry, and the perception of that industry from not only the public’s point of view but also from the point of view of Government, the legislators and the then Department of Natural Resources and Environment – currently the DPI.

Out of the small but enthusiastic start in 1999, there have been numerous industry developments encompassing a massive range of interests – and at times probably too many.

From the beginning I have been privileged to continue my involvement with the CMPA, and in recent years I have been pleased to contribute in a small way as Treasurer. The time has arrived to hand over that position to John Pititto. John is a very experienced accountant with more than just a passing interest in the quarrying. I am confident that John will do an excellent job as Treasurer and I recommend to all members that they feel free to punish him with questions and requests for advice.

The CMPA has now achieved the recognition it deserves and for which it was established. It’s obvious the Victorian membership comprises a large proportion of family operated businesses, some of which are into their third generation. It has become the aim of the CMPA to preserve and secure the assets of its members to the full extent of its capabilities, which rely not only on administration personnel, but also on the members.

It is a well recognised fact that CMPA members have given tremendous support to their administration, with the result that Governments, of all persuasions, and other peripheral interests are prepared to recognise and sit up and take notice when the CMPA makes a commitment to a particular subject.

No one will dispute the difficulty of successfully arguing and introducing change to entrenched Government policies and Departments. From my observations the continuing professional attitude of both CMPA administration staff and the members has produced significant benefits to all players in the industry – large and small.

It’s imperative that the CMPA continues with its mandate to assist its members in improving relationships with all professional parties and in particular Government bodies.

There are potentially enormous problems for the industry on the horizon and some of those problems can be addressed by professional and unbiased argument. I refer to the costs and time involved in procuring new Work Authorities, the potential for serious impact on the industry by unrealistic Reclamation Bonds, the cost of compliance including Environmental Effects Statements, and the increasing burden of Municipal rates and Land Tax.

Other matters on the horizon include the procedures for gaining access to valuable stone resources within Crown Land, and education. It’s my observation that education within Victoria, for the extractive industry, would be in a very sorry state if it had not been for the enthusiasm of the CMPA and its push for an education system relevant to the industry.

I would like to have it recorded that I have enjoyed my association with the CMPA, have felt it a privilege to be able to contribute as Treasurer, and I look forward to a continuing involvement.

AGM & DINNER 2012 RACV CLUB HEALESVILLE

The CMPA AGM & Dinner 2012 at the RACV Club in Healesville is fast approaching, only five months to go. It’s very important if you are planning to attend, to book your weekend away early to avoid missing out on a place of your choice. The RACV Club itself has rooms allocated for guests attending the dinner, please call them on 03 5962 4899 to make a booking or refer to the following website for all your accommodation needs in the Healesville area.

www.visityarravalley.com.au

This is the biggest event on the CMPA calendar with sponsorship opportunities still on offer for your business, at present there are 27 Associate Sponsors committed to the event. Arrangements and bookings are currently being made for entertainment for the dinner.

Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning activities are also being planned; including a golf event, winery tour, breakfast and a trip to Healesville Sanctuary. If you haven’t already, put this date in your diary please do so now. Further updates to come in the next issue of Sand & Stone.

Date: Saturday 25th Aug. 2012
Location: RACV Club – Healesville
Time: 6.00pm for AGM,6.30pm for Dinner
Cost: CMPA Members $120

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