This is the sixth report by the Inspector-General for Emergency Management as sole monitor on the progress of the implementation of recommendations and affirmations from the 2014 and 2015–16 Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry (External link) reports.

It summarises implementation progress (to August 2021) of the eight government actions and one recommendation directed to the Latrobe Valley coal mine operators that were reported as in progress in IGEM’s Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry: Implementation of recommendations and affirmations – Progress Report 2020.

Victorian Government 

Of the 8 government actions: 

  • 2 are now complete
  • 5 are progressing but are overdue, three with timeframes further revised
  • 1 has been closed.

Coal mine operators

The final recommendation and affirmation from the Mine Rehabilitation Inquiry report and remaining in progress requires the Latrobe Valley coal mine operators to increase the rate of progressive rehabilitation by achieving milestones within their progressive rehabilitation plans.

EnergyAustralia and AGL have continued with progressive rehabilitation works, however AGL continues to work with the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions towards finalising its revised work plan, including progressive rehabilitation milestones.

IGEM will continue to monitor this recommendation – in conjunction with Action 158 – to assess whether the intent of the recommendation is met.

Program of reform

Since the commencement of the reform program, significant progress has been achieved to improve emergency management planning and coordination, health outcomes, and mine regulation and rehabilitation in the Latrobe Valley. 

In summary:

  • 241 of the 246 actions set out in the Victorian Government Implementation Plan are now either closed or complete
  • all 14 recommendations and affirmations directed to health agencies are complete
  • 25 of the 26 recommendations and affirmations directed to coal mine operators are complete.

IGEM will continue to monitor and report on the implementation of recommendations and actions arising from the 2014 and 2015–16 Hazelwood mine fire inquiries in accordance with its legislated objectives to provide assurance to the Victorian Government and the community, and to foster continuous improvement of emergency management arrangements.

The Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry Implementation of recommendations and affirmations - Progress Report 2021 was published on 18 February 2022.

You can access the report from the link at the bottom of this page of view as a flipbook (External link).

 

[Homepage image: Peter COLE - Fire (External link), 1988, Mixed media, Latrobe Regional Gallery Collection] 

Author
Inspector-General for Emergency Management
Publisher
Victorian Government
Date of Publication

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