CMPA Update (Issue 8)
General Meeting # 11 Members are invited to attend CMPA General Meeting #11 to be held on the 29th November at the Tullamarine Motor Inn. After the success and popularity of the AGM it is hoped that members can again provide similar support. The key presentation will be by Chief Inspector of Quarries, Mr John …
BOX IRON-BARK FOREST BILL
The government has recently seen this bill through parliament and the CMPA has used every endeavour to ensure the legislation does not unduly impact on the extractive industries operations within park boundaries. The association remains concerned that the extractive industry data being used in the initial study was grossly distorted and that the inclusion of …
SILICOSIS
Silicosis is an age old lung disease caused by inhalation of dust containing free crystalline silica. The disease is incurable and the person’s condition will continue to degenerate after exposure has ceased. Free Crystalline Silica, SiO2, is one of the most common minerals in the Earths crust. Found in materials such as granite, sandstone, slate …
BUSINESS SUPPORT MECHANISM
In an industry that can be at times isolated as well as increasingly complex due to regulatory and compliance issues, many members have requested advice on various business support issues. In a direct response to member needs the management committee has resolved to develop the concept of a business support team that may incorporate the …
THE RAYNER QUARRIES
Charles Rayner, born 3rd December 1855, was my grandfather. My great-grandfather and my great-great-grandfather worked a selection at Natte Yallock (between Avoca and Bealba), Victoria. My grandmother was from a Natte Yallock family. My grandparents were 22 and 20 when married at Maryborough in 1877. The union produced eight children – four boys and four …
LET THE BUYER BE AWARE
Capital expenditure on major items can be a make or break affair, particularly so for small businesses. If researched and budgeted carefully, equipment purchases can add significantly to the performance and operation of a business. The consequences of a bad decision, however, such as a poor selection or worse, the purchase of a lemon, can …
REHABILITATION BONDS ADDRESSED
The rehabilitation bonds issue has been addressed by the CMPA over the past two years and significant progress has been made to date on behalf of members who may not have been able to have a voice. Mr Kerr said the bonds review process had highlighted the fact the existing bond arrangements were unsustainable and …
PAYMENT DISPUTE HIGHLIGHTS CONCERNS
The scope of responsibilities of statutory bodies has been brought into question following a dispute where a contractor failed to pay sub-contractors while still receiving payments from VicRoads. Between February and October 2001 CMPA member Allstone Quarries Pty Ltd, near Bendigo, delivered crushed rock to contractor Roads ‘R’ Us Pty Ltd for shoulder work and …
BRIDGE LIMITS A LOAD TO BEAR
The impact of failing bridge infrastructure across the state is starting to bite as more and more shire councils recognise engineering and load problems with aging wooden bridges. Bridges up to 70 years old and with inadequate maintenance programs have resulted in several accidents across the state, while shire councils are agitating for significant funding …