Media releases

Federation University Australia researchers at Gippsland and Ballarat will help support the economic and social transition of Australian mining communities as part of a new national Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

The Federal Government has announced $29.5 million for the CRC for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC-TiME) which will work with industry and community to conduct social, environmental, economic and technical research.

This research will aim to address the complex challenges underpinning mine closure and help prepare the workforce to capitalise on new opportunities.

Federation University will provide environmental and ecological expertise to the CRC as well as the capability of the University’s Gippsland-based Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Engineering Research Group (GHERG), which provides advanced research and development for the Latrobe Valley’s brown coal mines.

CRC-TiME's 75 partners include industry, governments and researchers from eight universities and the CSIRO.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Chris Hutchison

“Now, more than ever, universities have a vital role to play in supporting the community and finding solutions to economic and social challenges.”

“We know the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt right across our society, and for regions that are already struggling with economies in transition – it will hit even harder.”

“Through this new cooperative research centre, we can help support the economic and social transition of mining communities with research tailored to their unique circumstances and find practical solutions to the challenges they face.”

Quotes attributable to Director of GHERG, Professor Thomas Baumgartl

“We are already working closely with the mining industry in the Latrobe Valley on research to find solutions for the safe, stable and sustainable closure and rehabilitation of mines.”

“This partnership will enable us to expand this important work nationally so it can be used to help industry and communities right across Australia.”