Resources Victoria builds a successful series of inspections

Resources Victoria has been out in force inspecting quarries throughout the state to get a better understanding how risk is being managed.

This is important work for the quarry sector and the communities close to where they operate. Victoria’s quarries are playing a crucial role supplying the raw material needed to build our homes and infrastructure. Building community confidence in how these materials are obtained is crucial to the sector and its ongoing development.

Across Victoria, between February and the end of June this year, more than 350 sites were inspected across 50 local government areas. About 85 per cent of sites inspected have been assessed as low or negligible risk.

During the inspections, some operators needed to be reminded of their responsibilities. At about 40 per cent of sites, inspectors required the operator to address minor issues. According to Laura Helm, Executive Director Regulatory Operations at Resources Victoria, most of these issues have been resolved in the required time without the need for any enforcement action.

“What we are seeing is that operators want to do the right thing. Where we have identified room for improvement, they have completed required actions promptly.”

A recurring issue was a lack of progressive rehabilitation. Some operators had not started rehabilitation and many of those that had started work had made insufficient progress. Progressive rehabilitation is essential to meeting Victoria’s high operating standards and helps improve the sector’s social licence amongst local communities. It also helps to reduce rehabilitation liabilities.

Other issues identified by the regulator include inadequate signage, inappropriate fuel management, unsecured gates and fencing, derelict equipment left on site and poor waste storage.

Ms Helm said future inspections and audits will remain focussed on operational risk, progressive rehabilitation and ensuring all work plan obligations are being met. “It has been a big year out in the field for the regulator and we’re well on the way to inspecting every mine and quarry in Victoria at least once by mid-2026.”

“Managing a resources site is a complex and Resources Victoria is keen to help industry understand and deliver their requirements.”

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