The rehabilitation of the Latrobe Valley’s brown coal mines will be steered by experts and locals through the creation of a new authority and a strategy to guide rehabilitation planning and works over the coming decades.

Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes launched the Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority and the Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy (LVRRS) in Morwell on Friday 26 June.

Professor Rae Mackay welcomes the appointment as Chair to the Board. Rae is the former Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner who has been monitoring mine rehabilitation in the Latrobe Valley since June 2017.

Rae is joined by experienced board director Ms Christine Trotman, who will serve as deputy chairperson. Latrobe Valley locals Mr Ian Nethercote and Mr Ian Gibson have also been appointed to the board, as have former members of the Technical Review Board Ms Corinne Unger and governance professional Ms Claire Miller. All positions are three-year appointments.

The new independent body will ensure locals continue to be informed and involved in mine rehabilitation and will oversee the implementation of the LVRRS and contribute to safe, stable and sustainable rehabilitation solutions.

The LVRRS provides a blueprint to progress mine rehabilitation planning and activities and achieve safe, stable and sustainable landforms that support the next land use.

The Strategy is the culmination of four years of hard work which has included detailed technical studies, policy analysis and engagement with key stakeholders and the local community. The strategy will guide mine rehabilitation planning in the Latrobe Valley for years to come.

Further links

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/expert-advice-latrobe-valley-mine-rehab

https://earthresources.vic.gov.au/projects/lvrrs

Image courtesy Latrobe Valley Express