The position was established back in 1857, and rumours the role is on shaky ground have alarmed industry stakeholders, especially as just a few days later, the Victorian Government revealed our region could be set for another major minerals boom.

Mining industry representatives say that the existence of the position of mining warden actually helps prevent disputes escalating as industry players are keen to avoid having to beat a path to the warden’s door.

The announcement of a potential minerals hub in a region centred around Rochester could lead to an uptake in demand for the mining warden’s services.

Energy and Resources Minister Peter Batchelor has been quick to promote the opportunities associated with the Rochester region, saying that the resource industry continues to play an important role in driving investment and jobs in regional Victoria, and that the State Government is confident that in opening up the region for exploration there will be new investment in the region.

If ever the office of the Victorian Mining Warden was needed, surely it is when new fields are being explored and negotiations held to help plan future development.

This is the time to support a growing industry, and to balance the need for financial management and discipline with the need to invest in jobs that support the future.

What do you think?

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