Media releases

Gippsland residents can have their say on the future of the Latrobe Valley’s coal mine sites thanks to a new Federation University Australia research project.

The Latrobe Valley’s mines are scheduled to be closed for coal mining before 2050, with the exact form of rehabilitation still to be determined.

The research project is being led by Federation University environmental scientist, Dr Jess Reeves, through the university’s Future Regions Research Centre, which was launched this year to support regional communities in transition.

The project will investigate and evaluate the views and opinions of the local community on future land and water uses within the Latrobe Valley and surrounding region when considering the rehabilitation of these coal mine sites.

As part of the research, which is funded by AGL Loy Yang, members of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland community aged 15 years and over are being invited to complete a short survey.

The survey will run until 31 August, 2021 and can be accessed here.

It follows the first phase of the research project which included a series of focus groups with Latrobe Valley stakeholders including business, local government, Indigenous, environmental, recreational and agricultural groups and a future focus group for secondary students.

For each survey completed, $5 will be donated to either Headspace or Lifeline, up to a maximum of $2500.

Quotes attributable to Federation University’s Dr Jess Reeves

“Our research is based on the belief that all of the community are important stakeholders in this conversation and have strong ideas about the type of future they want for the region.”

“The nature of energy generation and coal mine operations in Gippsland is changing and it’s really important we gain an understanding of community concerns and perspectives on these changes, and opportunities for the future of the Valley.”

“Any decisions on how these landforms – both the mines and the land around them - might be developed for future use must include broad consultation with people who care for the future of this region, and the whole Latrobe River catchment.”

Quotes attributable to AGL Loy Yang general manager Nigel Browne

“As we prepare the AGL Loy Yang A site for the future, we are committed to leaving a positive legacy with our people and the community.”

“Our work with Federation University has enabled us to hear voices from across the region and understand their views on how we transform sites for future use.” 

“We understand that the people of Latrobe Valley care about how the region’s coal mines transition and we look forward to working with the community as we prepare for rehabilitation.”

Quotes attributable to Federation University Future Regions Research Centre Co-Director, Professor Thomas Baumgartl

“This sort of research is why we established the Future Regions Research Centre – it’s an opportunity to bring together the community, industry and our environmental experts on an issue that will help shape the future of the Gippsland region.”

Media Contact: Rama Razy| 0400 925 746 | r.razy@federation.edu.au