VLPA Update (Issue 46)

PETER MCCLUSKEY from the Victorian Lime Producers Association reports on the latest happenings of the VLPA.

FUTURE FARMING SUBMISSION HITS THE SPOT

VLPA’s recent submission to the Victorian Government’s Future Farming project has hit the spot nicely according to advice received from government sources.

We pointed out that published material thus far appeared not to have recognised the need to secure important agricultural resources such as current and future limestone resources as agricultural inputs which are important now and in the future in relation to food security.

We understand the issue has now been recognised and is very much a component of the project deliberations.

The Future Farming project is a whole of government initiative to boost farming services, drive growth and innovation in agriculture and help the sector respond to new challenges. Within the process, a Rural Planning Group includes acknowledging the relationship between land ,water and other natural resources as a driver for the long term safeguarding of high quality agricultural landscapes and assessing how specific sectoral industries are accommodated in the planning system, and how the planning system can respond to changes and adjustment.

SUBMISSIONS TO GOVERNMENT INQUIRIES

Other submissions made include those made to a VCAT review of its operations and to the VCEC (Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission) review of environmental regulation efficiency as well as one made to the first stage of the MRSDA (mining) Act review.

We pointed out to the VCAT and VCEC reviews the cost to industry of lengthy approval processes and likewise with environmental regulations which tend to be lengthy and lack consistency. With the MRSDA review, we have opposed the notion of royalties to government on extractive materials quarried on private holdings and supported retention of the Mining Warden’s role and supported CMPA’s submission. There will be further opportunities to make submissions at later stages of this review.

VLPA 2009 AGM AND CONFERENCE ARRANGEMENTS

The 2009 VLPA AGM & conference is likely to be held in Warrnambool on 9th or 23rd November 2009. Members will be notified of final arrangements well before the event. There are important regulatory and planning issues for discussion with guests including the Future Farming and pasture productivity improvement projects as well as a presentation on seasonal weather prospects.

Further information is available from Peter McCluskey on 0408 496 588

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