Future uses for the Latrobe Valley’s three brown coal mines will be discussed next week during a question and answer session in Morwell.
Community members have been invited to attend the two-hour session on Wednesday night where a range of representatives, including the region’s three brown coal operators, will field questions.
Latrobe Valley mine rehabilitation commissioner Rae Mackay said the Overseeing Our Future session would give locals a chance to find out about ongoing work and planning for mine rehabilitation.
“It’s an opportunity for the community to come along and ask questions to a group of representatives of organisations who are heavily involved in the rehabilitation of brown coal mines in the Latrobe Valley,” Professor Mackay said.
“There’s also an opportunity to find out about more about what the operators’ preferences are in regards to the final landform and what might happen to the land post-closure.”
Mr Mackay, who will host the panel, said brown coal operators were required to adhere to a process following the mines’ closures in order to reach a safe, stable and sustainable landform which would allow for alternative uses of the land.
“We’ve had over 50 people sign up so far and we hope to get double that by Wednesday so we’re asking for people to come along, even if they haven’t signed up, just turn up on the night,” he said.
Representatives from the Earth Resources Regulation, the Environment Protection Authority, the Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy, Latrobe City Council and the three coal mine operators will be present.
The question and answer session will be held on Wednesday, December 13 from 4pm to 6pm at the Morwell Bowling Club on Hazelwood Road, Morwell.
Registrations are preferred, but not essential, by emailing commissioner@lvmrc.vic.gov.au or phoning 1800 571 966.
To register online, visit: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/overseeing-our-future-community-qa-on-mine-rehabilitation-tickets-40125452308
