Department of Minerals and Energy

Full description

Establishment and Functions:

The Department of Minerals and Energy was formed on 1 September 1977 following the proclamation of the Minerals and Energy Act 1976. The Act provided for the amalgamation of the Ministry of Fuel and Power (VA 627) and the Mines Department (VA 612) into the Department of Minerals and Energy.

The Department's main responsibility was to develop Government policy on the development and use of Victoria's minerals and energy resources, including brown coal, natural gas, oil, hydroelectricity and solar energy. It was also responsible for planning for the possible introduction of nuclear energy. It played a coordinating role in relation to the activities of the large fuel and power statutory authorities, namely the State Electricity Commission (VA 1002), the Gas and Fuel Corporation (VA 1040) and the Victorian Pipelines Commission, and oil and gas companies. It also regulated the mining, extractive, fuel and power industries and provided technical and scientific advisory services.

The Department was also responsible for the Geological Survey of Victoria (VA 4118) (GSV) from 1977-1985. As the State’s geoscience agency, GSV is responsible for understanding Victoria’s geological framework through geoscientific investigations, studying, and mapping the surface and sub-surface of Victoria. Some of the projects and programs undertaken by GSV include prospectivity assessments, geoscience information management and delivery, regional geological investigations, and mineral and energy resources.

In 1983 the Department of Minerals and Energy passed responsibility for the Chief Chemists Group to the Department of Agriculture (VA 618). In 1984 responsibility for regulating the manufacture, transport and storage of hazardous materials such as explosives, inflammable liquids and toxic chemicals was passed to the Ministry of Employment and Training (VA 704).

The Department also acted as an investigating agency for the Environment Protection Authority (VA 1058).

In 1985 the Department was superseded by the Department of Industry, Technology and Resources (VA 2661).