Thursday, 31 October 2024

 Jordan CRUGNALE (Bass) (17:18): (902) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Energy and Resources, and the action I seek is for the minister and the Earth Resources Regulator to meet with the Lang Lang community about the sand quarries around their local area. Currently consultation is open on the draft strategic extractive resource areas for the community to have their say and input. The SERA identifies areas that are most suitable for future quarry development and guides industry investment away from conflicting and sensitive areas. They consider proximity to townships, amenity, community, local environmental and cultural heritage values, existing land uses and access to transport networks when identifying areas to ensure any potential land use conflicts can be avoided. This gives both communities and industry important clarity about where resources may be developed in the future.

This community have a significant state resource literally in their backyard, and they do not get much in return or local benefit. Whilst the draft SERA is separate to infrastructure priorities, this engagement has been a mechanism to voice what is important and what is needed, including local projects, infrastructure investment that addresses road safety, community benefits and the need for a better relationship between community and the quarry operators. There are a lot of people in the Lang Lang community who have questions, not just about SERAs but about how these quarries are regulated and managed, whether it be environmental protections, noise and dust, watertables or rehabilitation. Another forum with the minister and the Earth Resources Regulator, I know, will help provide clarity on these processes and ensure that our community can have their say.