- Published:
- Wednesday 2 September 2015
The Andrews Labor Government has today welcomed the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry’s first report on the Anglesea Mine.
The release of the report should reassure the Anglesea and Surf Coast communities of the comprehensive work being done to protect residents and the environment from bushfire as we head into the summer fire season.
The independent report finds Alcoa has either implemented, or is in the process of implementing, a range of fire minimisation strategies at the Anglesea Mine that are effective, practical and sustainable. The report also finds the mine is being competently regulated by Government agencies.
The reopening of the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry follows the commitment by the Labor Government of $30 million in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget to implement all recommendations of the 2014 Hazelwood Mine Fire Board of Inquiry.
The Government supports the Inquiry Board’s Recommendation that Alcoa publish a report on its website detailing the steps it has taken to implement its fire minimisation strategies by 15 September 2015, and an update on 15 November 2015.
Alcoa will also report on progress of implementing fire risk reduction strategies to Government’s Surf Coast Coal Mine Taskforce at its 24 September 2015 meeting.
The Government, Alcoa and the community are continuing to work together on the long term future of the Anglesea Mine, which will take into account future fire planning.
The Inquiry’s focus is now on any health effects from the 2014 Hazelwood coal mine fire and rehabilitation options for the Latrobe Valley coal mines. The Inquiry will report to the Governor on these aspects in December 2015 and March 2016.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“This independent report should reassure the Anglesea community that work is underway to minimise the fire risk at the Anglesea coal mine site before the onset of the summer fire season.”
“The Inquiry Report has affirmed the approaches of the Government towards the Anglesea Mine shutdown and Alcoa’s preparation for closure and the final rehabilitation plan.”
“The Government thanks Mr Teague and the panel for their work and will continue to work with the community to ensure the site is safely rehabilitated.”