Hazelwood mine owner ENGIE has stuck by plans to turn Hazelwood mine into a full pit lake following Latrobe City Council’s newly-adopted preference of a dry scenario.
Latrobe City Council’s new position on the Hazelwood mine void advocates retaining a section of the mine for future coal-winning with the remainder to be made available for other uses.
However, an ENGIE spokeswoman said the empty void option was not a “safe, stable and sustainable rehabilitation scenario”.
“Three options have been considered for the final landform: empty void, partial lake and full lake,” the spokeswoman said.
“An empty void would require ongoing fire risk management of exposed coal batters and pumping aquifer water from the bottom of the mine for perpetuity.”
She said a full pit lake would enable greater access by the community for water and recreational activities.
“Importantly, [it] will support fire-preparedness in the mine and will also provide stability to the mine walls.
“The need to reflect community aspirations must be managed alongside the practicalities of mine rehabilitation.
“We continue to complete a range of detailed technical studies to assist in the development of the mine closure plan and final landform.”
However, a Latrobe City Council report described the pit lake option for the mine as an “apparent fait accompli” which represented a “risk to the community in terms of liability and amenity”.
“The obvious question presents itself – will the community be left with a disappointing and mediocre rehabilitation of Hazelwood?” the report reads.
“Potential uses that could be incorporated into the rehabilitation of the mine include recreation, gardens and other tourism activities; events and festivals; equestrian, motorsports, mountain biking and other sporting facilities; and industry research, development and activation.”
Great Latrobe Park proponent Nina Burke welcomed Latrobe City Council’s newly-adopted position on the Hazelwood mine rehabilitation.
“Latrobe City Council had investigated the Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy which only considers a full pit lake option,” Ms Burke said.
“That needs to be amended. The LVRRS needs to be amended so that something more than a full pit lake option is investigated, because it … would mean it opens up more opportunities to the community.
“We commend the action of council – we think it is amazing.”
