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Hazelwood Pondage Fight Continues

Clamor for feasibility for Hazelwood Pondage before deciding on its fate.

By Portal Admin - 28th July 2019 - Back to News

Member for Morwell Russell Northe has again written to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes that calls upon the State Government to commit to undertaking a feasibility of Hazelwood Pondage and its future.

Following on from meeting with the Minister in Parliament in June with local stakeholders , Mr Northe along with representatives from Latrobe Valley Yacht Club (LVYC), Hazelwood Pondage Action Group (HPAG), Yinnar and District Community Association, Latrobe City Business Tourism Association (LCBTA) and local CFA brigades also recently met with Latrobe City Council.

"It was pleasing to hear that Latrobe City Council are very supportive of retaining the pondage as an asset for community use" said Mr Northe

Latrobe City Council have previously passed motions indicating their support, and have written to the Premier stating it is the community’s wishes to keep this vital asset open for future generations to enjoy. Nearly 5,000 people have signed petitions, which verifies the strength of local stakeholder and community support – a position also endorsed by Latrobe City Council.

Mr Northe is calling for the Government to conduct a feasibility study that would look at all aspects of Hazelwood Pondage including the structural integrity of the pondage walls through to the benefits that local stakeholders and user groups have enjoyed over the years.

"We know Engie have previously commissioned a report on the integrity of the Pondage walls; however many stakeholders have expressed their disappointment that the full report despite its technical nature has been recently provided to Latrobe City Council but not released to the general public," Mr Northe said.

It is difficult to fathom that the State Government can purchase a timber mill and save community assets in other towns across the State, but it won’t commit to undertake a feasibility study for such a vital community asset in the Latrobe Valley.

"It is my strong view that any decision on the Pondage’ s future be halted until a comprehensive feasibility study that includes a cost benefit analysis of the social and economic impacts upon local businesses, user groups, stakeholders and individuals is completed" said Mr Northe.

We also need to understand the possibilities around management and water management options, and future opportunities that would continue to make the Pondage an attractive destination for locals and tourists alike.

"Once again I implore the Minister to commission this important piece of work and I also encourage the Minister to visit the site and meet with local stakeholders and Council so she can fully comprehend why the Pondage should be reopened" Mr Northe said.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com