VITAL CMPA UPDATES (Issue 19)

Sarah Kerr, CMPA Secretary

Mobile Plant Hazard and Risk Identification Workshop

Members and non-members alike will have received an invitation to the upcoming March workshop at which attendees will attempt to identify as many hazards and risks associated with mobile plant, and more specifically the loader, excavator and haul truck as possible.

This will be achieved through concurrent site visits at Allstone Quarries and Lake Cooper Quarries followed by a large group session where the site visits will be consolidated with a presentation from the DPI and presentations to the entire group.

It is important that as many people attend as possible as it will assist your sites by providing attendees with a complete listing of all hazards and risks raised on the day.

The workshop’s details areas follows:
Date: 9th March 2005
Time: 8.15am Rego.4pm Finish
Locations: The FoundryHotel Complex, AllstoneQuarries, Mawsons LakeCooper Site
Requirements: Hard hat, Safety vest, Safety boots
RSVP: 2nd March 2005

Yellow Pages Advertisement

Do you advertise in the Yellow Pages? If so, we would like you to include reference to your CMPA membership. Through this, you show to the wider community that you are proud of being a member and that you support the association at all levels.

Please call the Secretariat if you require the CMPA’s electronic logo for the Yellow Pages.

Indigenous Land Management Framework

The CMPA has provided comment on this discussion paper. Overall the association has expressed concern over the obscure wording within the
paper.

Key concerns however that the CMPA has commented upon include:

• That Aboriginal Affairs Victoria need to review procedures and/or develop guidelines to assist the wider community in understanding what is required and expected of them when establishing or expanding a Work Authority. More particularly this discussed the issue of potential and expected costs.
• The CMPA holds reservations in relation to the point regarding ‘Cultural access to natural resources for commercial purposes’ and how this could affect the extractive industries.
• The entire section of the discussion paper discussing ownership of country presents the CMPA with concepts, issues, and solutions that it could not agree to in their present form without individual consultation with all members due to the wider social dishevel that implementation would cause. Topics discussed included the re-allocation of royalty payments and Work Authorities to the indigenous community

If you would like further information on this issue, please call Sarah Kerr at the Secretariat.

Summer Rains

One of our members sent through this photo depicting the Melbourne storms.

It seems that after many years of drought, we have all forgotten to manage the flow of water around the site in a wet year.

Riverine Red Gum Forests Investigation

The Victorian government has decided to investigate riverine red gum forests along the Victorian side of the Murray River. This will be lead by the same body who lead the Angahook Otway Investigation, namely the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC).

According to a letter received by the CMPA, the purpose of the proposed VEAC investigation will be to assess ecological, social and economical values of the riverine red gum forests on public land in the area identified and the risks to those values. VEAC will then make recommendations to ensure a balanced range of ecologically sustainable uses of the river red gum forests.

If you operate a Work Authority on Crown land in the area from Swan Hill through to Yarrawonga including an area following the Goulbourn River towards, but not reaching Shepparton; it would be greatly appreciated if you contacted the CMPA as soon as possible to ensure that your interests are represented. Please note that this invitation is extended to non-members.

International Specialised Skills Institute

The CMPA is presently in the process of establishing a Fellowship for the extractive industries with the assistance of the International Specialised Skills Institute. This fellowship will either place Australians overseas to learn or bring a key person to Australia to train others.

On this same matter, the CMPA has sent a letter supporting the ISSI’s proposed Master Artisan Framework for Excellence to the Federal Government. The framework will assist the tradespeople themselves and the wider community through improved career pathways, self esteem,safer and more efficient operations, and a strong sense of pride in the industry.

ACE

By now, most people would be aware that the Australian Construction Equipment expo is fast approaching.

As noted on the front cover, the CMPA is seeking members who can assist the Secretariat in manning the stand for the duration of the show.

If you are able to assist, be it for an hour or a couple of days, please contact the Secretariat as soon as possible.

Site Visits in the Western Region

The CMPA Secretariat visited several member’s sites in the far west of the state, however will provide a full report in the next newsletter.

Over the coming months, the CMPA will attempt to visit all members who have not been visited by the association in the past.

CMPA Web Page

The Secretariat is pleased to note that the first edition of the new website has been posted. This will continue to be improved over the coming months, however your comments would be greatly appreciated.

Please view the site at www.cmpavic.asn.au

CMPA Staff Report

Please note that as Sarah Kerr is getting married in mid March, and as such she will be away for 6 weeks. During that time, her position will be filled on a temporary basis by Donna Beaumont.

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