6. Concluding remarks

IGEM is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the progress of the implementation of all recommendations and affirmations from the 2014 and 2015–16 Hazelwood mine fire Inquiry reports. Implementation monitoring provides assurance to community members and the Victorian Government that the lessons identified from emergencies are acted on in a timely and sustainable manner. This is IGEM's fifth report as sole monitor of the implementation of recommendations, affirmations and actions arising from the Hazelwood mine fire inquiries, and the first report that is not required to be tabled in Parliament.

Overall, IGEM found good progress has been made by government departments and agencies, and coal mine operators to implement the remaining actions and recommendation arising from the 2014 and 2015–16 Hazelwood mine fire inquiries. Of the 11 government actions monitored in this report, three have been assessed as complete and eight as ongoing. Of the eight ongoing actions, three have had their timelines revised. IGEM notes that delays to the implementation of some actions have occurred due to operational pressures including the 2019–20 Victorian bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and significant sector reforms such as the fire services reform.

From the Mine Rehabilitation Inquiry Report, the single ongoing recommendation– Recommendation 19 – has been assessed as ongoing. EnergyAustralia reports having met all progressive rehabilitation targets as outlined in its 2019 Risk Assessment and Management Plan. AGL Loy Yang has submitted a new work plan application required as part of a corporate restructure, with DJPR requiring the work plan to contain progressive rehabilitation milestones as set out in Action 158 of the Victorian Government Implementation Plan. Through the next reporting period, IGEM will continue to monitor this recommendation to assess whether the intent of the recommendation is met.

In addition, IGEM commends the release of the LVRRS as a significant set of principles to guide rehabilitation planning and decision‑making for the Latrobe Valley’s three brown coal mines and achieve a safe, stable and sustainable landform for the closed mines.

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 2019–20 has presented.