Earth Resources Regulation is making changes to help communities have a continued say in local minerals development through the release of a new engagement guideline.
An essential part of the minerals licensing process involves applicants notifying local communities so they can make comments or objections to inform licence decisions. This has been mostly done by placing advertisements in local newspapers.
Recently, some rural newspapers have been disrupted as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, impacting the flow of information through many communities.
Victoria's mining regulator, Earth Resources Regulation, has implemented changes to minerals licencing process in response to the current situation.
To ensure everyone can stay informed, minerals licence applications will now also be shown at earthresources.vic.gov.au/licenceapplications as well as on the applicant's website.
Providing a centralised point to advertise licence applications aligns with the increasing use of the Internet by communities across Victoria to access information, alongside direct engagement with local people.
If the option exists, licence applicants are also required to continue advertising in local newspapers.
Where local newspaper advertising is not available, the regulator has also adapted its processes so that licence applicants can write directly to landowners or advertise via roadside signs.
Minerals exploration and mining support many businesses and jobs in regional Victoria, with regulatory safeguards in place to protect people and the environment.
As stated by Earth Resources Regulation's Executive Director Anthony Hurst:
"We've responded to recent changes in the regional media with new advertising guidelines to ensure information continues to flow to community members interested in exploration and mining licence applications."
"The new advertising options provide applicants with more flexible ways of ensuring communities can have input into exploration and mining decisions."
"Local engagement remains an essential part the licencing application process and applicants are expected to continue advertising in local newspapers where possible."
