The Victorian Government appears set to extend the Resources Victoria Approval Coordinator (RVAC) to support the state’s construction materials industry.
The RVAC was established last year and, according to the state government, has helped facilitate access to 93 million tonnes of quarry materials.
The Victorian Government’s recently released Economic Growth Statement listed extending the RVAC as a key initiative.
“We’re making sure that success continues, extending the RVAC until 2027, bringing to market more concrete and other materials used in housing and vital infrastructure,” the document read.
“We’ll also support new critical minerals projects – including developing maps that identify areas that have the highest likelihood of developing successful critical minerals operations and providing dedicated support to facilitate engagement with community and Traditional Owners.”
The RVAC model will also be used to create what the Victorian Government calls an “Investment Coordinator-General”. The new coordinator, set to begin in early 2025, aims to ensure all agencies, regulators, and statutory authorities meet required approval deadlines for projects of state significance.
The RVAC model has received praise from some within the quarrying industry and external stakeholders, including Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) and Infrastructure Australia in its Market Capacity Report 2023.
Earlier this year, the RVAC was praised by those at Boral for its role in extending the company’s Montrose Quarry.
“Our Montrose Quarry has provided the foundations for development and growth across the greater Melbourne area for decades, with its materials enabling many of Melbourne’s iconic buildings and infrastructure,” Matthew Mckenzie, executive general manager of Boral Concrete and Quarries South, said previously.
“We welcome the government’s support in enabling our Montrose operations to continue to play a critical role in building Melbourne.”
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