Posts tagged ‘mine fire’
La Trobe Valley coal mine rehabilitation bonds increased to $254 million
On Friday the Andrews government announced in Morwell it’s response to the final landmark inquiry into the 2014 Hazelwood Mine Fire. This includes an initial $50 million in the Victorian state budget to implement the recommendations, and a major increase in the rehabilitation bonds for the three La Trobe Valley coal mines.
“The people of the Latrobe Valley have been completely vindicated. I’m so proud of their efforts. They never gave up and neither will we.” said Premier Dan Andrews.
The recommendations focus on 3 major areas: improving the health outcomes of the La Trobe Valley community, increased monitoring of air pollution, and improve progressive rehabilitation and end of life mine planning.
It highlights the importance of helping the La Trobe Valley transition away from coal, and in putting in place a just transition for the community. The increased focus on health and mine rehabilitation is a necessary first step for this transition.
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Hazelwood power station – A brief history
Everything you wanted to know about Hazelwood, but was afraid to ask.
THE EARLY YEARS1949 – The State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV) begins developing the brown coal reserves at Morewell, also known as the ‘Morwell Project’.
1959 – Hazelwood Power Station is approved. It’s planned to consist of six 200 MW generating units, giving a total generating capacity of 1,200 MW.
1963 – Growing demand for electricity forces the SECV to review this capacity.
1964 – Hazelwood begins its commission.
1965 – Approval of two additional units is granted.
1971 – After twelve years Hazelwood is finally fully functional producing 1,600 megawatts of base load electricity. (more…)