Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990

The Minister may, by writing signed by him or her, exempt any land from being subject to a licence.

The Minister may grant an exemption for any reason he or she decides to be appropriate, including but not limited to the following reasons—

if, in the Minister's opinion, the exemption is required to protect land that is of significant environmental importance;

if, in the Minister's opinion, the exemption is required for the implementation of a recommendation of the Land Conservation Council of which notice has been given under section 10(3) of the Land Conservation Act 1970 as in force before its repeal;

if, in the Minister's opinion, the exemption is required for the implementation of a recommendation of the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability under the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Act 2003 to the extent that it has been accepted by the Government;

if, in the Minister's opinion, the exemption is necessary to enable the orderly and optimal development of mineral resources in Victoria.

In deciding whether to grant an exemption, the Minister must take into account—

the known or potential value of the mineral resources and the impact that the proposed exemption may have on that value; and

the social and economic implications of the decision.

The Minister must make sure that notice of an exemption is—

published in the Government Gazette; and

recorded in the mining register.

The Minister may revoke an exemption by notice—

published in the Government Gazette; and

recorded in the mining register.

The Minister may state in a notice revoking an exemption that the land that was the subject of the exemption is to become available for one or more licences on or after the date specified in the notice by the Minister.

The Minister must ensure that a copy of the revocation of an exemption is lodged in the mining register.