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Importance of identification of extractive resources

By on April 16, 2014

Dr Elizabeth Gibson reports on the State Government Taskforce that recognises the importance of maintaining appropriate access to extractive resources.

THE taskforce met in early April and consists of Anthony Hurst (Chair) and Fiona Clarke, DSDBI; Elizabeth Gibson, CMPA, Brian Hauser, CCAA and Ann Kirwan, Department of Planning, transport and Local Infrastructure (DtPLI). The taskforce is currently considering the draft terms of Reference.

Two of the bigger issues facing the extractives industry that were identified in the Economic Development and Infrastructure’s Inquiry into greenfields mineral exploration and project development in Victoria are:

  1. Sterilization of potential sources of extractive resources by urban and regional development, and
  2. Encroachment of development into buffer zones.

However, there is also a third issue and that is the impact of overlays on extractive resources.

The work of the taskforce is proposed to:

  • identify the State’s estimated future extractive needs;
  • identify the existing and potential sources of supply resource quantities and regions where they are located;
  • model the economic significance of the extractives industry to the State, particularly with regard to infrastructure, construction affordability and relevant business input costs and benefits
  • consider existing planning mechanisms which could be used to improve the effective co-existence of land development and extractive industries; and
  • make recommendations for effective management extractive resources.

This will occur over a period to 2050 (CMPA believes that this figure is over ambitious and 20 years out may be more achievable) in line with planning horizons of key Government land planning frameworks.

The CMPA believes that of the suggested tasks in Stage 1 of the draft terms of Reference, they should be given the following priority:

  1. Define current and forecast resources supply profiles in Victoria (by commodity, quantity and region), where there is proven quality of reserve and by source type.
  2. Refresh appropriate extractive industry interest areas; where there is proven quality of reserve including distance from market, access to source, any presence of overlays.
  3. Define current and forecast demand profiles for extractive resources in Victoria;
  4. Determine the economic significance of the extractives sector to 2050;
  5. Identify and map strategic resources; their proximity to market and transport corridors at regional scale;
  6. Identify potential synergies of extractive resource areas with other land uses and (CMPA adds) compatibility with buffer zones.

The taskforce will be supported by a reference group that will include representatives from the urban Development Institute of Australia, Melbourne Planning Authority, Municipal Association of Victoria, DSDBI and the transport portfolio area (DtPLI). It is intended to finish Stage 1 by December 2014.

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