30 June 2021 update on the LVRRS implementation
Since the Strategy’s launch on 26 June 2020, the Victorian Government has undertaken further studies to support mine rehabilitation planning in the Latrobe Valley.
As outlined in the Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy (LVRRS), we have collaborated with mine licensees and other stakeholders to explore the following issues:
- Potential water sources and access arrangements for mine licensees to undertake rehabilitation, while protecting existing uses and values of the Latrobe River system, under a range of possible climate scenarios.
- Climate resilient water sources that could create the certainty that a safe and stable mine rehabilitation can be achieved over the longer term.
- Less water intensive rehabilitation options, and contingency options for water-based rehabilitation plans.
In the coming months, the LVRRS project team will consult and communicate the draft findings of these studies.
The Latrobe Valley has been the home of Victoria’s coal production for the last century. As we move away from coal use, mine closures will have lasting impacts on the Latrobe Valley community. Hazelwood closed in 2017 with Loy Yang and Yallorn closing in the next 30 years.
Rehabilitation of these sites will take decades, so a clear long-term strategy can present the region with positive and practical solutions.
The LVRRS provides guidance to the mine licensees, government, the community and other key stakeholders on issues that need to be considered in planning for and undertaking rehabilitation of the Latrobe Valley’s 3 brown coal mines—Hazelwood, Yallourn and Loy Yang.
The LVRRS is clear that mine rehabilitation must plan for a drying climate and that the rights of existing water users—including farmers, towns, industry and Traditional Owner values—will be fully protected during any rehabilitation process.