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Government must come clean on its stance on coalMember for Morwell Russell Northe has called on the Andrews Labor Government to come clean on its stance on coal and finally release its coal policy as previously promised. By Portal Admin - 19th December 2016 - Back to News In November 2015, the State Government committed to releasing a coal policy by the end of 2016, but with just one week to Christmas this policy has still not been announced.
Mr Northe has raised these issues in Parliament on many occasions including just recently, where the Minister for Resources verified in writing that the government would still release its policy in December 2016.
Mr Northe said the Minister in his latest response appears to have suggested that his Government now won’t release its coal policy, but rather a coal policy statement.
"The State Government announced with much fanfare that Mr Rhys Edwards would undertake a review of coal development programs; however the Government won’t even release details of Mr Edwards final report," Mr Northe said.
"Coal has been long been the key to our local economy over many decades and would have a vital role in the Latrobe Valley for decades to come.
"The Latrobe Valley community is keen to understand the Government’s position on the future use of brown coal."
Mr Northe said we know Daniel Andrews supports the closure of Hazelwood Power Station, but does he support the future use of brown coal in not only the energy sector but for other uses and purposes.
"It’s staggering that whilst hundreds of jobs will be lost following the closure of Hazelwood power station in less than four months' time; Daniel Andrews can't even tell our community if he supports the future use of brown coal," Mr Northe said.
"The Government needs to stop leaving the people of Latrobe Valley in the dark and release his Governments coal policy immediately."
Media contact: 5133 9088
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com

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Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects. - Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025. - Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025. - Gippsland Water appoints Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan to the board, bringing experience, diversity and community focus
Gippsland Water has appointed Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan to its Board, bringing diverse experience, strong community engagement, and fresh perspectives, while outgoing directors Jo Benvenuti and Chris Badger are acknowledged. - Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth. - Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. - East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025.
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