6 Concluding remarks

This is IGEM's sixth report as sole monitor of the implementation of recommendations, affirmations and actions arising from the Hazelwood mine fire inquiries. Throughout this six-year period, IGEM has assessed the vast majority of government and non-government actions, recommendations and affirmations as either complete or closed. Across 2020–21, IGEM found that lead departments and agencies and Latrobe Valley coal mine operators have made progress towards implementing the remaining eight actions and one recommendation. Of the eight government actions monitored in this report, two have been assessed as complete (Action 26 and Action 122), and one has been closed (Action 225). Five actions (158, 162, 233, 238 and 245) remain in progress. Of these five actions, four are overdue and three have had their timelines further revised. From the Mine Rehabilitation Inquiry Report, the single ongoing recommendation – Recommendation 19 – remains in progress. EnergyAustralia reports it has met all progressive rehabilitation targets as outlined in its 2019 Risk Assessment and Management Plan. AGL Loy Yang continues to work with DJPR to ensure that its new work plan meets regulatory requirements including progressive rehabilitation milestones. IGEM will continue to monitor this recommendation to assess whether the intent of the recommendation is met.

A full summary of the status of all recommendations, affirmations and actions is provided in Appendix A. IGEM acknowledges all lead government departments and agencies and the Latrobe Valley mine operators for their cooperation and active contribution to its monitoring and reporting activities, particularly given the significant operational pressures that 2020–21 has presented.