An interjurisdictional approach to designing residual risk policy

Abstract

In late February this year, the Queensland Government hosted 40 government delegates from New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory for a 2.5-day workshop discussing government policy on residual risks in the resource industry. Residual risks of post-closure management are considered those risks that remain on a site after surrender of the resource and/or environmental authority or permit. These could include the potential for a credible risk event occurring and requiring rectification and ongoing monitoring and maintenance requirements. Government representatives from environmental and mining regulation departments shared information, research and results of consultation through presentations and discussions. Through facilitated workshops, government officials identified common issues and worked to develop potential solutions. A major outcome of the workshop was a set of guiding principles available to all Australian jurisdictions, when developing or implementing residual risk policy. At this stage, the principles should not be taken to be current government policy. This presentation and paper will give conference attendees an overview of the issues raised throughout the workshop, the outcomes and next steps.