The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) has welcomed today’s announcement by the State Government to put the introduction of fees for assessment of Mining Proposals and Programme of Works on hold.
“With new fees due to commence on 1 July 2015, this is a sensible decision by the Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Bill Marmion,” said CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith.
Further consideration of cost-recovery fees is being be deferred until after the Mining Act Amendment Bill 2015 passes Parliament. The Amendment Bill entered State Parliament, 22 April 2015 and is expected to be debated later this year.
“CME is hopeful the introduction of cost-recovery mechanism’s such as those in today’s announcement can be permanently deferred,” said Mr Howard-Smith.
“The resources sector is grappling with volatile global market dynamics, increasing input costs and other complex policy and regulatory settings. The introduction of cost-recovery risked compounding this situation even further,” said Mr Howard-Smith.