In concurrence with the global health pandemic, our region has been facing another great challenge. Whilst this year will mark most of our lives, it is also a milestone for the rehabilitation of our coal mines here in the Latrobe Valley.
In the public sphere the completion of the Latrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy is of note, as is the establishment of the Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority – the new governing body.
But it is not only the departments that have been busy. It is important to celebrate the role of community members and the enormous efforts contributed towards advocating and organising for clean air and water in our region. Collaboration has been key to many achievements this year, with unlikely allies coming together to ensure our legacy is one we can be proud of.
With the announcement from EPA Victoria of the licence review for brown coal power stations, expected to be released in the coming weeks, we await with hope that the updated regulations will see Victoria coming into line with what is best practice internationally. This is a process that many locals have engaged with in good faith, and has the potential to deliver better health outcomes for our region.
So over this Christmas period may you connect with your loved ones and recharge your batteries. This region has exciting times ahead, and we invite you to join us in the new year.
First Published in Yallourn North Connection