- Published:
- Friday 7 July 2017
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a new policy that will drive investment, create jobs and balance environmental needs in future Victorian coal projects.
The Statement on Future Uses of Brown Coal provides clarity to industry and local communities about uses of Victoria’s brown coal reserves in a low-emissions setting.
The policy supports projects that create highly-skilled jobs and boost investment in areas like the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland.
The framework will ensure new projects comply with Victoria’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, and puts strict requirements on private sector proposals for new uses of coal.
They will be considered on a case-by-case basis – taking into account an evaluation of economic, social and environmental factors – and will be supported by an independent expert panel.
Communities and interest groups will be consulted and have access to information about proposed projects.
Victoria has the world’s second largest deposit of brown coal.
There is strong investor interest in our valuable coal resources to make alternative high-value and low-emissions products for domestic and international markets – including hydrogen and fertiliser.
Coal projects seeking support will need to demonstrate an interim emissions standard equivalent to existing efficient gas-fired power stations.
The final Victorian standard will be regulated under the Environment Protection Act 1970.
The Statement on Future Uses of Brown Coal can be found at www.earthresources.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources Wade Noonan
“This policy supports brown coal projects that create highly-skilled jobs and boost investment.”
“Any new proposals for alternative uses of coal will be carefully examined to ensure they support local communities, the environment and the economy.”
“We want to create new jobs with a forward-thinking approach to climate change and a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.”