CME farewelled Bronwyn Bell, Manager Resource Development and Sustainability (pictured middle, above), at the Environment Committee meeting held on March 8.
The Chair, John Williams from INPEX, thanked Bronwyn on behalf of member organisations for the positive contribution she has made to the industry, and the broad range of issues within the environment portfolio. CME’s Rob Carruthers, Director Policy and Advocacy, also thanked Bronwyn for her contribution on behalf of CME and member organisations and acknowledged Bronwyn’s “commitment and dedication to the resources industry … and the positive policy outcomes achieved over the last six years as a result of her advocacy.”
CME is pleased to advise that a recruitment process has confirmed the appointment of Roannah Wade – previously Senior Adviser – Resource Development & Indigenous Affairs – to lead the Resource Development and Sustainability portfolio.
Compliance and COVID-19
The Department of Water and Environment’s (DWER) Ed Schuller, Executive Director Industry Regulation, attended CME’s Environment Committee meeting, South West Environment Forum and Goldfields Environment Forum during March. Mr Schuller outlined DWER’s COVID-19 Business Continuity Planning which is aimed at ensuring the department can maintain service delivery during a period of widespread COVID-19 transmission.
Mr Schuller also outlined the department’s ongoing approach to compliance during this period, reinforcing the importance of member organisations ensuring their COVID-19 Business Continuity Plans contain provisions to ensure maintenance of compliance with statutory notices and conditions.
Members tackling COVID impacts to operations were encouraged to contact their DWER licensing officer, Compliance@dwer.wa.gov.au or Pollution Watch (in the event of an incident) to maintain active communication with the department regarding any potential impacts to operations and environmental compliance.
Greenhouse Gas Transport and Storage Bill
On March 9, the Hon. Bill Johnston MLA approved the drafting of a Greenhouse Gas Storage and Transport Bill. The Bill is proposed to outline a regulatory framework enabling companies to pursue decarbonisation opportunities involving mineral carbonation, carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
CME has advocated strongly for the need for legislation to be developed to enable these decarbonisation opportunities to be pursued in WA. The media release can be accessed here.
Minister Johnston has advised the government will undertake broad consultation with the resources industry on any proposed legislative amendments before the Bill is finalised. The exact scope of the reform and consultation dates are still to be clarified.
CME will co-ordinate consultation on this Bill through the Climate and Energy Reference Group.
Contact: Anita Logiudice, Senior Advisor – Environment & Sustainability
Email: a.logiudice@cmewa.com
