The Andrews Labor Government has today introduced a Bill into Parliament to establish the Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner.
The Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Amendment (Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner) Bill 2017 will set up the statutory office of the Commissioner to monitor and audit mine rehabilitation, and consult local communities.
This delivers on a key recommendation from the reopened 2015-16 Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry – after the first Board of Inquiry failed to consider rehabilitation planning.
The Commissioner will provide independent advice directly to the Government on mine rehabilitation and help develop the Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy.
The Commissioner is required to work closely with the community, stakeholders and the Latrobe Valley mine operators – and oversee individual rehabilitation planning for each of the coal mines.
It will also work in partnership with the Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Advisory Committee.
The Government will continue to work closely with local communities and industry to implement all of the 2014 Inquiry’s recommendations.
Unlike the former Coalition Government which abandoned the Valley during a time of need – we’ll always stand by the region’s workers, businesses and communities.
As part of a $266 million transition package for the Latrobe Valley, we’re establishing an Economic Growth Zone to create jobs, support local businesses and drive economic growth in the region.
An Australian-first worker transfer scheme is also helping around 150 workers displaced by the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station transition to other Latrobe Valley powers generators.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources Wade Noonan
“Mine rehabilitation is a key issue for local communities in the Latrobe Valley, and that’s why appointing an independent Commissioner is so important.”
“They will assist in the planning of mine rehabilitation across the region and ensure communities have a voice at the table.”
“We’ll continue to act on all of the recommendations from the 2014 Inqury to get the best outcomes for the Valley.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020