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By on December 7, 2025

CMPA Annual Dinner – Key Speaker, Matt Vincent, CEO at Resources Victoria, DEECA

Matt Vincent, CEO at Resources Victoria, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change (DEECA) delivered a keynote speech at the CMPA Annual Dinner in August 2025. The following is an extract from his speech.

Rehabilitation Bonds
Resources Victoria is also addressing concerns about rehabilitation bond amounts and has established an independent review of the bond system. This review will help ensure that we strike the right balance between managing risk and attracting ongoing investment in quarries.

Operating Responsibly
As we all know, community confidence is essential for the sector’s growth. Resources Victoria is ensuring communities near quarries see the industry inspected and held accountable. Our visible inspection and compliance program underpin your work. It helps communities see that strict rules apply.

Most operators act responsibly, though a few can damage the sector’s reputation. A collective effort is needed to build stronger community connections. Your good work must not be undermined by operators ignoring regulations and local concerns.

In mid-2027 new laws will introduce a Duty Model. The reform shifts from static work plans to a duty-based model. This will require operators to proactively manage risks, backed by clear guidance, compliance codes and tiered standards.

Resources Victoria is implementing reforms in consultation with CMPA and other groups. A Regulatory Impact Statement, raft regulations and codes will be released later this year for consultation.

Presentation of Awards
This brings us to the important part of the evening – the presentation of the Progressive Rehabilitation Awards. I would firstly like to thank the judging panel:

  • Rebecca Carlton, Acting Chief Inspector Resources Victoria
  • John Mitas from John Mitas Consulting
  • Chris Prowse, C.K. Prowse and Associates

These awards highlight the importance of progressive rehabilitation.
In Victoria, progressive rehabilitation is not optional — it’s a core operating requirement and central to the sector’s social licence.

By reducing the area disturbed at any one time, operators cut the overall rehabilitation burden. The benefits are broad including:

  • Environmental – less dust, cleaner water, healthier ecosystems.
  • Safety – hazards are addressed sooner.
  • Community – stronger trust through visible commitment to sustainability.
  • Financial – reduced long-term liabilities and lower risks.

I’d also like to quickly outline the judging criteria for everyone. Submissions were assessed on how well the nominee demonstrated delivery of effective progressive rehabilitation. Judges considered elements of planning, delivery and outcomes, including:

  • The standard of the rehabilitation delivered;
  • Alignment with the approved rehabilitation plan; and
  • The approach to monitoring, assessing and improving rehabilitation activities;
  • How operational decision-making reflects rehabilitation objectives.

Award Winners
Large quarries – in this category there are two awards – the winner and a highly commended.
Large quarries
Award winner: Mawsons Concrete and Quarries.
Highly commended: Conundrum Holdings
Small quarries
Award winner: Baxters Concrete & Quarries

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