The Latrobe Valley community has fought to reduce the health impacts of toxic coal waste for generations. Over the last few months, we’ve seen two huge moments for holding coal mining companies accountable for protecting community health and the local environment.

Whether you’re a long-time resident of the Latrobe Valley, or live elsewhere in Victoria, thank you to everyone who got involved and made a submission.

Hazelwood

When the Hazelwood coal mine closed in 2017, it left behind giant hole and tonnes of toxic coal ash.

Now, the mine’s operator, Engie, must clean up the site. We have serious concerns that Engie wants to dodge its responsibility and cut corners on properly rehabilitating Hazelwood.

But before these plans can go ahead, Engie has to complete an assessment of any potential environmental impacts that could result from rehabilitation.

A critical part of the environmental assessment process involves community consultation. In early May, the consultation period opened to hear from the community about what they believe Engie should do to properly assess the environmental impacts of its pit lake plan.

The Latrobe Valley community and supporters across the state made countless submissions to the Victorian government. You can read more about the process, and the issues we’re concerned about, here.

Now, we’re waiting for the scoping requirements –  or, what the government requires Engie to include in its environmental assessment– to be released later in June.

In the meantime, you can sign the petition for Engie to properly rehabilitate the Hazelwood mine so it’s safe for the environment and the community long term. Will you add your name?

We’re hopeful that an outpouring of community action has strengthened the requirements, and Engie will have to properly assess any environmental impacts of its plans to rehabilitate Hazelwood.

Loy Yang

In February this year, community consultation opened on AGL’s plans to build massive new coal ash dumps at the Loy Yang mines.

These dumps could see the Latrobe Valley community exposed to coal ash pollution for almost 20 YEARS. The proposal is at odds with the Victorian government’s target for 95% renewables by 2035.

But people from the Latrobe Valley and right across the state stepped up and lodged their objection to the project with the EPA.

Now, AGL is required to read through and respond to the submissions made. If you made a submission, keep an eye on your inbox – and we’ll keep you updated.

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