Submissions and Issues (Issue 28)

Submissions Responded To

The CMPA has received responses to the following submissions:

• Senate inquiry into workplace exposure to toxic dust
• Ministerial guidelines for the assessment of environmental effects
• MCA Innovation Road Map

EPA – SEPP (Air Quality Mgt)

The CMPA engaged Peter Day, a consultant specialising in Government policy and formal submission development, to assist the CMPA in our submission.

The CMPA’s key concerns include:

• The need for air quality to be managed in a way that achieves tangible results without imposing unnecessary financial stress on the industry.
• That the present Protocol is an invasive and unwarranted additional regulatory burden with little demonstrated need or benefit either for community or industry.
• That it is a matter of urgency that EPA Victoria recommends to Government that the Regulatory Impact Statement process is applied to SEPPs and their supporting protocols.
• That in order for issues to be addressed by industry they need to be accurately identified and defined so that any remedial action proposed can be specifically targeted.
• That most of the perceived issues within the extractive sector could be addressed through systems of management, vocational training, capital selection and regulatory practices.
• Finally, while it may be administratively convenient to combine the extractive and mining sectors, that there are many reasons why this is unfair and grossly inappropriate.

OHS Regulations & Quarries

An inquiry is being conducted by DPI as to which regulatory body should manage OHS. The CMPA has made a submission to this effect and met with the Minister. No commitment has been made either way, although the decision is now well overdue.

Industry needs Government to clearly articulate its position on this issue before the upcoming election

Native Vegetation/Bush Broker

The CMPA will be keeping in contact with the National Farmers Federation on this matter. Following attendance at a Bush Broker briefing it has been recommended to:

• Review Bush Broker proposal
• Form a ‘Native Vegetation Committee’ for this and other similar issues
• Contribute more closely to this process
• Develop clear points concerning the relationship between the extractive industries and native vegetation

Outcomes from Work Plan Forum

Last September a large number of those involved in the extractive industry’s Work Plan process gathered to identify issues with the present system and articulate possible means of controlling these issues.

As a result the following five points have been raised with the DPI.

1. ‘Triggers for Work Plan variations’ and the checklists for Work Plans (G3 and G4) have undergone further drafting. A recent draft is being sent to meeting attendees in the coming weeks with the final release proposed for October.
2. It was suggested that the DPI create a formal, regular meeting with stakeholders (such as consultants). To date no action has occurred on this matter.
3. The DPI was requested to track the turnaround time for Work Plans. This coincided with a requirement of the VCEC report and has been enacted. It is available from their website.
4. A cover letter for Council planning staff was also recommended and has been drafted. Comments have been provided and a revised letter is to be made available.
5. Finally, it was recommended that the DPI collate a listing of all possible referral bodies. As far as the CMPA is aware, no action has occurred on this matter.

Tripartite Forum

DPI called to establish regular meeting between industry, regulator and unions. The CMPA will attend second meeting. The charter is presently being reviewed.

This issue was initially raised mid Attendees of the meeting include Trades Hall, AWU, CFMEU, etc. The first meeting was held in March. Need to attend before making a decision – undertaking further consultation.

Stakeholders Forum

Issues included:

• Clarity of management
• Work Plan forum outcomes
• Consistency of directives
• Commodity strategy workshop

Small Tailings Storage

The Draft of Environmental Guidelines – Management of Small Tailings Storage Facilities has been released by DPI.

Medical Templates

Southern Medical Services have been formally engaged to undertake this task. The CMPA has met with the chief doctor and site visits have occurred at a number of Member’s sites. A trial document is now available from the CMPA.

Goolengook Forest Investigations

The information supplied to the CMPA was sent to Chris Prowse and Basil Natoli. In short, the issue will not affect any Members or known geological reserves. The CMPA will make brief comments concerning buffer zones.

Mass Management

Questions have been raised by several Members in regards to the changes in Vic Roads with mass management. John Welsh, a past Vic Roads employee has been contacted and will be providing a summary of these changes for Members information.

DIIRD Business Assistance Grants

Grants are available for:

• Training of employees to cope with business expansion or new investments
• Strategic business plans
• Market studies (both local and further a field)
• Money is available and needs to be allocated

(Full report next issue)

VPP Practice Notes

Have been released with copies available from the Secretariat.

Bush Broker

This scheme is a new means of dealing with native vegetation which consists of ‘purchasing’ native vegetation credits off-site to account for losses on-site.

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