Public consultation is now open for EnergyAustralia’s draft declared mine rehabilitation plan (DMRP) for the Yallourn coal mine in Victoria.
Situated in the Latrobe Valley, Yallourn is Australia’s second-largest open cut mine. It has produced over one billion tonnes of brown coal since the 1920s.
With the Yallourn coal mine and power station scheduled to close in June 2028, EnergyAustralia is working to rehabilitate the site to its original state.
EnergyAustralia has released its draft DMRP for Yallourn, which will help formalise the mine licensees’ intentions and allow the local community to voice how the mine site’s restoration should be delivered.
“This marks a turning point – a chance to reimagine the land as a place of renewal, where nature, people, and culture can come together, providing ongoing economic opportunities for the Latrobe Valley,” the DMRP said.
“The public exhibition of the draft Yallourn DMRP is a step towards achieving this. The draft DMRP is EnergyAustralia’s plan to make the mine site safe, stable and sustainable, filling the mine voids with water with a view to creating a lake that locals and visitors can enjoy, and wildlife can call home.”
Public consultation for the draft Yallourn DMRP will be open for a 60-day period, ending August 18. EnergyAustralia is expected to deliver a final DMRP by the end of 2025.
“Ensuring the Latrobe Valley’s coal mines are made safe and stable for the long-term is critical to Gippsland’s prosperity and the state’ transition away from fossil fuels,” Resources Victoria said.
“The Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy is guiding the transition of mining land along with the statutory decision-making processes in place.”
The Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy was released in 2020 and aims to outline policy and provide guidance to progress mine rehabilitation planning. It aims to ensure a positive legacy for the Latrobe Valley.
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