The Andrews Labor Government has extended the mine licences of the Latrobe Valley’s major power plants to ensure at least 17 years of rehabilitation, giving certainty to local communities and mine workers.
Minister for Resources Tim Pallas announced that the Labor Government will extend Energy Australia’s licence for the Yallourn mine to 2051, and the AGL licence for the Loy Yang mine to 2065.
This extension does not allow for the mining of coal beyond the 2032 and 2048 deadlines already in place by the respective companies.
Instead it allows extra time for responsible site rehabilitation and is consistent with the Labor Government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.
The mine extension is in line with the approved work plans and expected closure dates for the mines, which together currently provide more than 70 per cent of Victoria’s power generation. It delivers energy security for Victorians and an orderly transition to low emission energy.
Under the extension, Energy Australia and AGL have committed to:
- providing a minimum 5-year notification of the closure of their power stations, giving certainty for our energy security
- continuing to invest in mine rehabilitation and their power stations to ensure safe and reliable power
- delivering on the objectives of the Latrobe Valley Worker Transfer Scheme and supporting the workforce to transition to new opportunities prior to and following any closure of the power stations
The Labor Government appointed Emeritus Professor Rae Mackay as the first Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner, and provided $5 million in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to support his vital work advising the government on the safe, stable and sustainable rehabilitation of mining sites in the Valley.
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