- Published:
- Wednesday 2 October 2024
The Allan Labor Government is securing access to critical raw materials to meet growing demand for the new housing, infrastructure and renewable energy projects that Victoria needs.
Victorians can now have their say on new planning controls that will protect sand resources near Lang Lang and Trafalgar in the state’s south east and an existing stone quarry near Oaklands Junction in Melbourne’s north.
The Labor Government is proposing to designate new Strategic Extractive Resource Areas, to protect the significant quarry resources from other development – ensuring the construction sector can continue to access to the sand, rock and gravel it needs to build new homes and infrastructure.
They also consider local environmental and cultural heritage values, existing land uses and access to transport networks when identifying these areas, to ensure any potential land use conflicts can be avoided. This gives both communities and industry impotent clarity about where resources may be developed in the future.
By 2051, Victoria is expected to be home to more than 10 million people, increasing the need for affordable housing, schools, roads and rail, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure.
New quarry supplies need to be brought online in appropriate areas ensures we can continue to provide the materials we need for a growing Victoria.
Quarry production in Victoria is growing year-on-year with a 14 per cent increase over three years, reaching an annual production record of 73.6 million tonnes of rock, sand and gravel.
Victoria’s extractive resources industry is a vital part of the state’s economy, representing around $1.3 billion annually at the quarry gate.
To make a submission visit, engage.vic.gov.au/sera-langlang-oaklandsjunction-trafalgar.
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re striking the right balance between community expectations, protecting cultural heritage and supporting Victoria’s construction sector with supply of raw materials to continue building our state and creating jobs.”
Quote attributable to Acting Minister for Planning Colin Brooks
“These strengthened planning controls will ensure Victoria retains access to the vital raw materials needed to keep building new homes, hospitals, schools and infrastructure the state needs.”