Public gets say in Yallourn’s future
EnergyAustralia has released a draft Declared Mine Rehabilitation Plan (DMRP) for Yallourn coal mine, located in Latrobe Valley in Victoria, for public consultation.
Yallourn has produced more than 1bt of brown coal since operations commenced in the 1920s and is responsible for 85% of the electricity in Victoria.
Scheduled for closer in mid-2028, EnergyAustralia is developing plans to rehabilitate the site back to its original state.
The rehabilitation strategy outlined in the draft DMRP has been shaped through continued conversations between EnergyAustralia, local communities, Traditional Owners and government bodies.
Detailed risk assessments have been undertaken alongside extensive studies to understand the environment and what the most sustainable and safe rehabilitation strategy will be.
The plan recommends improving and protecting existing conservation areas, placing material in certain areas for geotechnical stability, protecting the Morwell and Latrobe Rivers by managing water levels and protecting against erosion and other risks.
At the heart of the plan is the creation of a large lake where the mine once was. This lake will be constructed and managed to achieve lake water quality consistent with EnergyAustralia’s aspiration for a lake that is suitable for recreational use by the community.
Native vegetation will be planted to rehabilitate the landscape to help prevent erosion, support local wildlife and create a green space suitable for recreational use by the community.
A key objective of the plan is to deliver routine maintenance post-rehabilitation.
The Latrobe Valley community is encouraged to review the proposed rehabilitation plan and have their say on how the restoration of the Yallourn mine site will be delivered.
The public exhibition period is open a 60-day period, ending August 18, with EnergyAustralia expected to deliver a final DMRP by the end of 2025.