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The Liberals Support Resource IndustriesThe first priority of the new Earth Resources Development Council (ERDC) must be to investigate permit approvals processes and access to public land for our resources industries. By Phillip Davis - 24th October 2006 - Back to News Speaking at the annual meeting of the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria held in conjunction with the Gold, Gem and Treasure Expo in the ‘Golden Triangle’ at Dunolly, Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources Philip Davis said the formation of the ERDC was welcome, and the council should give advice as a priority to the Government on these matters.
Mr Davis said the Bracks Labor Government had consistently ignored industry concerns and Resources Minister Theo Theophanous showed his continuing contempt of the small mining sector by pulling out at the last minute from his commitment to speak at today’s AGM.
Mr Davis said the Liberal Party on the other hand has always supported Victoria’s resource industries, which contribute $4 billion each year to the Victorian economy.
"Victoria’s resources drive our state – they power our cars, our homes and our industry and provide the construction materials we need for major projects and roads. Without them, Victoria would come to a stand-still," he said.
"More than 8000 people are employed directly in the resources industry in exploration, mining and production, and taking into account downstream processing activities 90,000 are employed.
"One of our most valuable resources is brown coal, of which Victoria is privileged to have the second largest resource in the world. Brown coal is valuable because it supplies Victoria with cost-efficient electricity to keep our industries, businesses and homes connected and operational.
"Brown coal production for electricity generation increased to 67 million tonnes in 2004/05. This is an increase of one million tonnes during the previous three years. Brown coal provides 97 per cent of Victoria’s electricity needs with a 700 year reserve at present demand.
"Gold mining in Victoria is steeped in tradition and remains an essential part of the resources industry. Production of gold in Victoria is 123,308 ounces. Despite industry expectations that production will rise to one million ounces by 2012, Victoria does not compare well against Australia’s production of 5000 tonnes of gold over the past 22 years compared with only 65 tonnes in this state. Victoria appears to be standing still while gold production elsewhere in Australia has taken off.
"The Iluka Douglas mineral sands mine in the Murray Basin is an exciting development worth $280 million. When complete, the mine is expected to produce 250,000 tonnes of heavy mineral concentrate, 69,999 tonnes of rutile and 130,000 tonnes of zircon. About 150 direct jobs will be created at the mine, along with more than 400 in other industry sectors. Iluka Douglas is expected to generate up to $1.5 billion in export sales.
"Crude oil and condensate production from the Gippsland Basin has declined to 94,000 barrels per day from 450,000 barrels per day in the mid 1980s, while gas extraction increased last financial year. While oil and condensate production in the Otway Basin decreased last financial year, the Otway Basin is an emerging force with strong gas production predicted for the next 12 months and into the future.
"More than 800 quarries are also operational in Victoria. Last financial year, more than 41.7 million tonnes of rock, clay, sand and gravel was extracted. This was an increase of 2.8 million tonnes on the previous year."
Mr Davis said there were also up to 10,000 small scale miners and amateur prospectors trying their luck with metal detectors, hand tools, pans and sluices in search of gold, gemstones and other minerals.
"With such a vast resources industry active in Victoria, it is important that the State Government acknowledges and understands how these industries operate and the valuable contribution they make to our way of life. Only through this understanding will Governments adequately support the resources industry," he said.
"All sectors of Victoria’s resources industry are growing rapidly, adding substantial wealth to the state. However, to sustain the growth a favourable environment for exploration is essential. But too often the Bracks Labor Government has ignored the resource sector, forcing through legislative changes without proper consultation and disregarding the huge input the industry has on Victoria. Since forming Government, Labor has systematically closed more and more Crown Land to public use.
"The Scorecard of Mining Project Approval Processes report prepared for the Minerals Council of Australia identified access to Crown Land as a major issue, rating Victoria well below all other Australian states. The report noted "Areas of concern in Victoria relate to water management and crown land access. Uncertainty about the creation of parks and reserves is one area of concern regarding crown land".[1]
"There should be no further change of classification of Crown land without full socio-economic, resource and environmental assessment. All future alienation proposals should be subject to a rigorous impact assessment before any mineral resources are sterilized from all future potential utilisation. The Victorian Government should undertake an impact assessment of the economic cost of quarantining this state’s earth resources from future development.
"Therefore a Liberal Government is committed to having a proper inventory of earth resources before any more Crown Land is quarantined from the resources industry.
"Excessive red tape is also burdening the resource sector. The unnecessarily bureaucratic application and approval processes of the Bracks Government have discouraged investment
"A Liberal Government will overhaul the current approval processes, in a bid to dump any unnecessary and time consuming red tape and regulation. A Liberal Government will establish a one-stop-shop for approvals to resolve the apparent bureaucratic inertia, with agreed inter-departmental protocols and clear leadership from Ministers and department executives to fast track resource industry investment proposals.
"The Liberal Party recognises the value of our resources in Victoria, and when in Government is committed to developing our valuable resource industries and providing support to enable further growth into the future."
[1] Scorecard of Mining Project Approval Processes, prepared for the Minerals Council of Australia, May 2006, pg 4-5, and also Table 3-9: Results for Crown Land Access Processes.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027. - Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives. - East Gippsland Council endorses public toilet review to improve cleanliness, safety and maintenance across 88 facilities
East Gippsland Council has endorsed a strategy to improve management of 88 public toilets, prioritising cleanliness, safety and maintenance through community feedback, targeted cleaning and better monitoring, with no facility closures proposed. - South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region. - Nathan Kearsley and Jill Colson appointed as Baw Baw Shire new directors following recent organisational restructure
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Nathan Kearsley and Jill Colson as new directors following a restructure reducing its executive leadership team from five to three. - Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation. - Bass Coast Shire Council asks residents to keep FOGO bins cardboard-free following updated recycling guidelines from April 2026
Bass Coast Council asks residents to keep cardboard out of FOGO bins from April 2026, ensuring high-quality compost, reducing contamination, and supporting efficient recycling and local environmental sustainability. - East Gippsland Council adopts 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure investment, community services and financial sustainability
East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit. - East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming 1 October 2026, allowing access to other networks during eligible natural disasters
East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming, activated by Telstra, Optus and TPG on October 1, 2026, allowing access to other networks for essential calls, texts and limited data during eligible disasters. - Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding. - Baw Baw Shire Council awards $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades and improvements
Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades, repairs and improvements, supporting healthier, more connected local communities. - East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes. - Productivity Commission backs Peri Urban Councils' call for infrastructure before housing targets across Victoria
The Productivity Commission has backed Peri Urban Councils Victoria's call to link housing targets with funded infrastructure, supporting development, coordinated planning and financing for 85,450 new homes across five Victorian growth councils. - Latrobe City Council will push six reforms addressing regional investment, housing, infrastructure, funding fairness and sustainability at MAV State Council
Latrobe City Council will take six reform proposals to the MAV State Council, targeting fairer funding, housing, planning, investment, infrastructure and support for regional communities. - East Gippsland Council introduces free Payble online service offering ratepayers flexible, convenient and automatic payment options for rates
East Gippsland Council has introduced Payble, a free, secure online service allowing ratepayers to automate payments, choose flexible schedules, check balances and manage rates conveniently. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on future of local aquatic facilities and swimming pools before 6 December 2026
South Gippsland Council is seeking community feedback on the future of aquatic facilities, with ageing infrastructure, changing visitation, rising costs and renewal needs under consideration. Feedback closes December 6. - East Gippsland Council develops financial sustainability strategy to manage costs and protect essential services over the next decade
East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability. - East Gippsland Councillors take council in community program to Twin Rivers district for local engagement on 29 September 2026
East Gippsland Councillors will visit Bruthen, Johnsonville and Metung on September 29, meeting residents and businesses to discuss local priorities, challenges and opportunities through Council’s community engagement program. - East Gippsland Council seeks community feedback on general local law review before 2027 expiry, submit by 2 October 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its General Local Law review, covering public spaces, safety, amenity and local activities, with consultation open until Friday, October 2. - East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online. - Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area. - East Gippsland Shire Council urges property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems and prevent failures
East Gippsland Shire Council reminds property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems, including regular servicing and septic pumping, to prevent failures and protect households, neighbours and the environment. - Wellington Shire Council 2026 hard waste collection returns this spring for convenient household clean-up and recycling
Wellington Shire Council’s annual hard waste collection returns from September 28 to October 30, offering residents convenient disposal of unwanted household items, including e-waste, while supporting recycling and reducing illegal dumping. - East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity. - Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets. - Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community achievements and strong financial performance across the region
Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community events, environmental initiatives and financial achievements, including new trails, bike facilities and more than 369,000 native plants. - Latrobe City Council invites community feedback on Moe Town Centre future through draft plan exhibition and consultation sessions
Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on Moe’s draft town centre plan, guiding future development, transport, public spaces and economic growth. Submissions close 24 November 2026, with community information sessions scheduled. - International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions. - Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on three strategies guiding local economic growth, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure through 2037
Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on three strategies covering economic development, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure, with consultation open until November 8, 2026, to guide priorities and investment through 2037. - Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report highlights major achievements, $23.9M road investment and community improvements in 2025-26
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2025-26 Annual Report highlights facility upgrades, more than $400,000 in community grants, a new emergency dashboard and $23.9 million invested in road improvements. - East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges state government to act on urgent on Western Port Woodlands protection controls before caretaker period
Bass Coast Shire Council has urged the Victorian Government to introduce interim protections for Western Port Woodlands, citing significant biodiversity values and seeking action before caretaker provisions begin on November 3. - Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year Nature Plan to protect local biodiversity until 31 August 2026
Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on its draft 10-year Nature Plan, outlining priorities to protect biodiversity, restore landscapes and engage residents. Public submissions close on 31 August 2026. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on proposed planning amendment updating flood maps across several towns by 29 January 2027
Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking submissions on proposed flood mapping updates affecting 1,438 additional properties, with changes covering Warragul, Yarragon, Trafalgar and surrounding communities. Submissions close January 29, 2027.
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