Programme of Work and rehabilitation guidance released

The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) has released guidelines for preparing a Programme of Work application and the rehabilitation of exploration disturbances.

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The Programme of Work Guidance and Exploration Rehabilitation Guidance was finalised following 10 weeks of public consultation.

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The Response to Submissions is now available.

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In conjunction with release of the guidelines, the department will be implementing changes to its Schedule of Standard Conditions to clarify its expectations for rehabilitation timing and practices. These new conditions are outlined in the Information Sheet on New Standard Conditions and will be imposed on all new mining tenements when granted.

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Aboriginal Cultural Heritage reforms look back to go forward

Last night the Aboriginal Heritage Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2023 passed the Western Australian Legislative Council.  The passage of this legislation means the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1971 will shortly return into force, with commencement expected in the middle of November this year.

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The Aboriginal Heritage Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2023 was the legislative instrument to amend the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (1972 Act) and repeal the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 (2021 Act).

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No amendments were made to the Aboriginal Heritage Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2023 since its introduction to Parliament on 8 August. This is despite efforts by the Opposition to introduce a significance test and clarification on the standing necessary for new information.

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WA Heritage Assistance Program

Today, the Western Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Hon Tony Buti MLA, launched the Heritage Assistance Program at AMEC’s Land Access Forum. This is a well-timed announcement in the week prior to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 returning in force on 15 November 2023. 

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This is the outcome of an AMEC proposal put to the WA Premier, Hon Roger Cook MLA, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Hon Tony Buti MLA, during the period the WA Government was considering scrapping new Heritage legislation and reverting to the old Act.

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