History

The Western Australian Ground Control Group held its inaugural meeting in February 1999. It was formed on the initiative of Yves Potvin, Director of the Australian Centre for Geomechanics.

The group was initially called the Western Australian Ground Control Working Group (WAGCWG). In August 1999 the Eastern Regional Council (ERC) of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia was approached for support. The WAGCWG became a sub-committee of the ERC in February 2000.

The group’s name was changed to Ground Control Group (Western Australia) GCG(WA) in July 2000.

In 2005 the group became independent from the ERC as the group became incompatible with the organisational structure of the ERC.

Since the group became independent it changed from a site-practitioners only forum, to one that includes all parties contributing to mining geotechnical engineering.  The current model caters for individuals from universities, government, and consulting, mining, contracting and supply companies.

In 2020 the group became an association incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (WA), and is officially titled the Western Australian Ground Control Group Inc.

The table below shows the previous office holders of the group. Thanks to Emma Jones, Gordon Sweby and Richard Varden for filling in some gaps from pre 2006. There is some debate / uncertainty regarding the early years so please get in touch if you have some updates for us, or would like to add to this history page.