PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Victorian Parliament has passed the Minerals Resources (Sustainable Development) Amendment Bill, enabling the continuation of reforms to how quarry and minerals activities are managed across the state.

The modernised provisions will focus regulatory effort on higher risk sites and activities while reducing red tape for more standard changes. The government said on Friday that there will be no reduction in safety and environmental safeguards and the legislation would ensure a more transparent and consultative approach for local communities to be engaged on work proposals and throughout the life of site operations. 

The outdated work approvals scheme will be replaced with a contemporary and transparent system based on a statutory duty for eliminating risk. This will drive the highest standards of performance, best practice and a simpler, more transparent approval process for industry and communities to understand.

“These changes will help deliver the materials we all need while maintaining protections for communities and the environment,” Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said.

“We’re supporting our growing mineral resources sector to get the job done, as our state demands more rock, sand and critical minerals to build new homes, hospitals, schools, transport and renewable energy infrastructure.”

D’Ambrosio said that the legislation ensured Victoria’s regulatory system was better able to meet the increasing demand for resources, while strengthening protections for community and the environment. 

“Victoria’s resources sector will play a key role in our ambitious renewable energy agenda. Our globally significant critical minerals potential will place Victoria as a leader in the renewable energy supply chain. Our extractive materials will be in high demand to continue building the infrastructure we need all across the state,” she added.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 is investing A$23.2-million to deliver best-practice reforms and streamlined approvals. These changes will ensure Victoria has the right balance between supporting the resources industry to grow, while protecting communities and the environment.

The legislative amendments will commence on July 1, 2027 providing the time needed to develop the supporting regulatory systems and details in close consultation with industry, local government, environmental groups and communities.