Help us set the right path for Latrobe Valley mine rehabilitation

Latrobe Valley locals are encouraged to learn more about the future of the region’s coal mines and how they could be rehabilitated at Morwell Bowls Club next Wednesday evening.

Latrobe Valley locals are encouraged to learn more about the future of the region’s coal mines and how they could be rehabilitated at Morwell Bowls Club next Wednesday evening.

As part of its response to the findings of the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry, over the past 18 months the Victorian Government has undertaken a series of studies to help ensure the long-term safety, stability and sustainability of the Latrobe Valley’s coal mines.

The Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy (LVRRS) will guide the rehabilitation process of the region’s three coal mines to ensure that they remain safe and stable. The strategy will be informed by the Regional Geotechnical Study, the Regional Water Study and a Land Use Vision.

Rehabilitating mines is complex. These studies are considering the use and availability of water to stabilise mine voids; the risk of ground movement, possible effects on infrastructure and how they may be mitigated; and the potential uses for land surrounding the mines.

The Regional Geotechnical Study and Regional Water Study synopsis reports have been released. These studies will inform the development of the final Strategy.

A Preliminary Land Use Vision remains open for public comment until 4 November. Submissions can be made at engage.vic.gov.au.

The Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will explain the findings of the synopsis reports and the land use study at a community event. Attendees will be able to ask questions about the studies and the rehabilitation process.

The event will be held at the Morwell Bowls Club, 52 Hazelwood Road, Morwell between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday 30 October 2019.

The Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy is an important step in setting the right path for rehabilitating the Hazelwood mine site and then the other mines at Yallourn and Loy Yang when production ceases over the coming decades. The Strategy will be finalised in June 2020.

Quotes attributed to Jane Burton, Acting Executive Director Earth Resources Policy and Programs

“Keeping locals up to date is essential to building confidence in the final rehabilitation strategy. We’ll continue working with the community until the strategy is finalised in June 2020.”

“It’s important that decision making regarding mine rehabilitation in the Latrobe Valley is informed by robust evidence and a great deal of work is now being completed to complete the strategy.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913