Panel to discuss future of land around LV coal mines

Members are being sought to comprise a community panel of 30 people to discuss future uses of land around the Latrobe Valley coal mines.
The mines, and power stations, are scheduled for closure as part of government plans to transition to renewable electricity.
Federation University researchers, along with the CSIRO, are heading the project funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies.
The university and research centre have discussed potential land uses with traditional owners, government agencies and mine operators over the past 18 months and during October and November will ask the community panel to look at opportunities for mine rehabilitation, the environment, economic development, planning, social services and new energy.
Researcher Associate Professor Jess Reeves of Federation University said it was important to open discussions to the community to understand what the future will look like, provide prosperity for future generations and acknowledge the contribution the Latrobe Valley has made to powering Victoria.
People interested in becoming involved in the panel should visit the Collaborative Planning for the Future Vision of the Latrobe Valley Mines Facebook page or contact Associate Professor Reeves at j.reeves@federation.edu.au