Feedback is being sought from across the resources sector and interested community members to help shape new regulations for Victoria's mines and minerals exploration industries.
Every decade, regulations are reviewed and revised to ensure they continue to be effective in a contemporary setting.
The proposed Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019 will set clearer work plan and rehabilitation requirements to better manage risks associated with mining and minerals exploration.
Input from across the state will help ensure the proposed regulations are well-targeted, effective and appropriate, imposing the lowest possible burden on Victorian businesses and the community.
The new regulations will support Victoria's revitalised resources sector, which is seeing an increase in mining jobs, more gold being found year on year and more companies searching to find mineral deposits for potential development.
Last year the Victorian Government launched State of Discovery, its Mineral Resources Strategy. The strategy includes actions to help build community confidence in responsible mining and minerals exploration to encourage jobs and economic development in regional Victoria.
The regulations remake is part of a reform program in response to the Mineral Resources Strategy, the Commissioner for Better Regulation's report Getting the Groundwork Right and the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry.
Public and industry input is an important part of the process and will lead to a more robust and high-quality legislative framework.
The published Regulatory Impact Statement invites comment until 23 April 2019.
You can have your say via engage.vic.gov.au/mineralindustries.
As stated by Acting Head of Resources John Krbaleski
"It's important we seek feedback from across the state to ensure we have the best possible regulations that help the sector manage risk and protect our communities."
"We work closely with stakeholders across the resources sectors and value their input, now's the time to have a say on mining and minerals exploration regulations."
"Let's work together to help miners and explorers have the right regulations to manage sites as safely as possible every day and then leave them in the best state for the community once commercial operations cease."
"We're taking steps to deliver modern, fit-for-purpose laws and build community confidence in the resources sector."
