VLPA Update (Issue 55)

PETER MCCLUSKY provides an update on the Victorian Limestone Producers Association.

ACID SOIL ACTION

We are continuing to work with the Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and WestVic Dairy in publicising the use of lime to combat acidic soils in Western Victoria. WestVic Dairy, the industry supported R&D co-op. near Terang, is holding a soil health field day near Terang on 5th April led by several DPI and private agronomists.

Members are invited to exhibit samples of their product for field day participants to view and discuss first hand with members. Members wishing to attend or submit samples should contact Peter McCluskey or WestVic Dairy’s Jeff Lawes 559 22477 or 0418 717 552.

MURRAY-DARLING BASIN PLAN

The draft plan as it currently stands gives priority to environmental flows ahead of economic and social needs. A Federal Parliamentary Committee is conducting an Inquiry into the Water Act and its impact on the Basin plan. Essentially the Act needs changing to give at least equal weight to economic needs. We are working on making representations, along with NAA, to emphasise the importance of not jeopardising the productivity of the region which represents in the order of 30% of Australia’s food production and is an important user of agricultural lime to improve and maintain productivity.

ACT AND REGULATIONS REVIEW

The VLPA is participating in the review of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act and associated regulations. DPI is convening meetings at regular intervals and VLPA is working with CMPA and other industry bodies with the aim of improving the regulatory framework under which we operate. Issues of concern include length of time for approvals, the native vegetation provisions, operation of Native Title Settlement framework, extent of community consultation and cultural heritage assessment.

A new category of Retention Licence is being instituted, which could be useful where a company has worked to identify a resource but sees a need to develop at a later date. With the new State Government in place it is timely that the regulatory regime is being reviewed which provides better scope for industry concerns to be acted upon. Further updates will be provided as the process continues. CMPA is covering a number of the important issues in some detail in this edition of Sand & Stone.

For further information contact Peter McCluskey 0408 496 588

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