Victoria’s Resources Minister has stated that the quarrying industry will play a vital role in helping to keep the state running during COVID-19, with a focus on continuing and speeding up the approval of works across the state.
The Victorian Government’s infrastructure agenda is set to become one of the state’s economic lifelines during the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulator (ERR) has expedited necessary works approvals as a measure to continue critical activities.
New advertising processes for minerals licences have also been introduced by the ERR to inform communities of their ability to have input on local issues.
Resources Minister Jaclyn Symes has stated companies and personnel within the sector have made conscious and effective methods to manage and contain the coronavirus— often beyond the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s minimum requirements.
The IQA has also provided the extractive industry with fact sheets and webinars on how to manage COVID-19.
By following COVID-19 advice, the resources industry has continued to stay operational – with the quarrying industry now being vital to Victoria’s ability to stay afloat after the pandemic eases.
“Workers in our mines, quarries and gas sites — and those who support their operations — are doing a fantastic job keeping our lights on and our vital industries running,” Symes said.
“The resources sector will help drive our recovery – whether it’s providing more rock and sand to build new infrastructure, further growing the mining of gold or new exploration for gas and in-demand minerals.”
Victoria’s resources industry is 120,000 strong in workers across both large and small businesses – many situated in regional communities.
To keep to date with news about the regulation of Victorian earth resources sites in this COVID-19 period, visit earthresources.vic.gov.au
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