The Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has introduced 'Resources Victoria', a new entity set to be the overarching controlling body within the Victorian Government for the state's resource sector.
The newly formed outfit will incorporate the Geological Survey of Victoria, the state's primary geoscience agency, and Earth Resources Regulation, the state regulator for exploration, mining, quarrying, petroleum and other earth resource activities.
These crucial arms of the Victorian Government are now tasked under one banner with responsibilities including policy development, reform, regulatory approval coordination and regional geoscientific investigations, furthering the state's commitment to managing its resources in a responsible and sustainable manner.
"Transition to renewable energy"
In a statement, the DEECA underscored the significance of this development, saying, “Creating Resources Victoria helps signal the importance of our minerals and quarry sectors in helping the state grow and transition.”
Not only will the new entity embody the importance of the state's mineral and quarry sectors but it will also play a vital role in advancing Victoria's economy and its transition to renewable energy.
“Resources Victoria will help drive increases in the mineral and quarry materials we all need for a vibrant state-wide economy and to support the construction sector, new infrastructure and the renewable energy transition," the DEECA said.
As it balances supporting the resources industry's growth with protecting the environment and local communities, Resources Victoria is anticipated to bring about effective changes in the regulation and management of the state's resources.
This marks a significant stride in the government's ongoing efforts to foster responsible and sustainable resource development within the state.