The Victorian Government has announced the establishment of a Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination role, which is expected to fast track the supply of raw materials for new critical minerals projects for the renewable energy transition, as well as for new housing, schools, hospitals and transport infrastructure.
The role is expected to deliver the reforms the state needs to ensure the sustainable and responsible growth of the resources industry and ensure greater transparency and clearer input for all into decision making and growth planning.
The new Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination role will help to significantly reduce approval times for quarry applications, turbocharging supply of raw materials for construction projects.
During its pilot phase, the Approvals Coordinator helped unlock more than 40 million tonnes of extra quarry material – enough to fill the MCG 17 times. The gross value of production of these additional resources is estimated to be more than $900 million.
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, visited Oaklands Junction, one of the highest production quarries in the state. Quarry operator Holcim has benefitted from the Victorian Government’s Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination trial to support site expansions and operating extensions across the state.
Holcim Warrnambool was assisted to expand its hard rock production area and the group’s quarry at Werribee was able to increase output to provide vital flood recovery materials through an expansion of operating hours.
Holcim’s Oaklands Junction quarry supplies hard rock to a wide range of infrastructure projects including Level Crossing Removal, the West Gate Tunnel Project and runway upgrades at Melbourne Airport.
In 2021-22, Victoria achieved record state-wide quarry production, reaching more than 70 million tonnes. This new Resources Victoria Coordinator will ensure the affordable supply of quarry-based construction material will continue to meet demand for new housing and infrastructure.
In early August, a new Minerals Resources (Sustainable Development) Bill passed the lower house of Parliament which will ensure improvements to resources regulation and works approvals – ensuring Victoria strikes the right balance between supporting the resources industry to grow and protecting the environment and local communities.
The Victorian Budget 2023-24 invested $23.2 million to deliver these reforms and streamlined approvals, as well as better quarry rehabilitation.
Ms D’Ambrosio said, “We’re ensuring Victoria has the materials it needs to meet the demand for new affordable housing and the major infrastructure projects our government is delivering.
“Our new regulations and approvals that will help deliver more rock, sand and gravel, while ensuring the right safeguards are in place to protect the environment and communities.”
