Second forum will be held on 27 May.
| Date: | Friday, 01 May 2015 |
|---|
Enhancements to online reporting system explained.
The first of two Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) online reporting forums was held on Wednesday 29 April with twenty five tenement managers and consultants attending.
Department of Mines and Petroleum Manager Environmental Reform Sarah Bellamy said the forum explained improvements in the online reporting system since last year and gave tenement managers and consultants the opportunity to ask questions and clarify concerns.
“It is compulsory for all tenement holders to lodge their online MRF report for the 2014-15 reporting period by 30 June 2015,” Ms Bellamy said.
“Wednesday’s forum is one of a number of initiatives by the MRF team to ensure tenement holders and managers know how to lodge their reports and answer any questions they might have.
“As well as the two forums, the MRF Roadshow will travel through the Goldfields in May and DMP officers have been available in our East Perth office to assist with lodging MRF report since 1 April.”
The forum explained enhancements to EARS2, the system used to lodge MRF reports, that have been introduced since the last reporting period.
“This is just the second compulsory reporting period for the MRF,” Ms Bellamy said.
“We’ve taken on board feedback received last year and introduced a number of enhancements to the online system aimed to streamline the reporting process.”
The forum also included presentations from MRF team members on audits, payments, penalties, bond decisions and the environmental enforcement panel. The forum ended with an extended question and answer session.
“Providing an overview of the MRF cycle often helps tenement managers understand how their role fits into the cycle and the importance of lodging accurate, timely reports,” Ms Bellamy said.
“The question and answer session that closed the forum was also extremely worthwhile as it gave attendees the opportunity to clarify any specific issues they had.
“It is also a great opportunity for us to get feedback from people who use the online system.
“This feedback helps us know what further improvements we can make to ensure the MRF reporting requirement is as streamlined as possible
“I think everyone who attended the forum gained a better understanding of the MRF and the online reporting process and the changes since the 2014 reportioning period.”
The second MRF forum for tenement managers and consultants is on Tuesday 26 May and very limited spaces are still available.
For further information about upcoming MRF events visit the DMP events page or email MRFenquiry@dmp.wa.gov.au .
