Back
to Top

Skip to main content
 
  • Share this page on Facebook
  • Print this page

Technical Review Board

What is the Technical Review Board (TRB)?

The Technical Review Board (TRB) is a team of experts with international mining experience. The TRB was established in August 2008 as an Advisory Panel under Part 4A of the Mineral Resources (Sustainability Development) Act 1990 (MRSDA 1990). The primary purpose of the Board is to provide advice to the Government on mine and quarry stability. Establishment of the Board is one of the Government’s initiatives in response to the recommendations by the Mining Warden Inquiry into the catastrophic Yallourn Mine batter collapse in 2007.

What is the Purpose of the Board?

The TRB is to provide advice to government on mine and quarry stability issues, specifically in relation to reducing risks to the environment, public safety, infrastructure and the continuity of operations where coal supply to Victorian Power Stations may be affected.

New Appointments to the Technical Review Board

At the completion of the end of the first two-year term of the Technical Review Board (TRB), the Hon Michael O’Brien, Minister for Energy and Resources has appointed a chair and two members to the TRB for another two year term to expire 31 August 2013.

Who are the new TRB members?

View the TRB member details 

Term of Reference for the TRB?

1. The Board will report to the Minister on an annual basis. The Minister may subsequently release the Board’s report to the Department and relevant industry stakeholders.

2. The Board will periodically provide advice on mine and quarry stability, to the Minister and Department, in the following areas:

(a) Strategy

  • Written and/or verbal advice on the Department’s strategies and regulatory approach to mine and quarry stability and geotechnical issues.
  • Written and/or verbal advice on new developments in technology and science relating to the understanding, monitoring or management of mine and quarry stability and related geotechnical and hydrogeological issues.

(b) Stability reports

  • Review and interpret mine and quarry stability reports including monitoring data, that has been submitted to the Department and provide written advice to the Minister.

(c) Workplans

  • Assess workplans and variations to work plans and provide written advice to the Department on mine and quarry stability and related geotechnical and hydrogeological issues.

(d) Other Activities

  • Advise the Minister in formulating appropriate response to significant events relating to mine and quarry stability, and related geotechnical and hydrogeological issues.
  • Advise the Minister on appropriate guidelines and educational initiative related to mine and quarry stability.
  • With the knowledge and agreement of the Minister, interact directly with industry on mine and quarry stability and related geotechnical and hydrogeological issues, including participation in site visits, presentations and dialogue, particularly with respect to communicating findings of reviews with relevant stakeholders.
  • In conjunction with the Department, interact directly with Monash University in relation to the Research and Development program on brown coal geotechnical and hydrogeological issues.

Who to Contact for Further Information on TRB and this information?

Ms Karen Sonnekus
Executive Officer, Technical Review Board
Department of Primary Industries
Level 16, 1 Spring St Melbourne
Phone: 9658 4431; Mobile: 0418 233201; email: karen.sonnekus@dpi.vic.gov.au