From ideas to implementation: Advancing the Latrobe Valley’s post-mine future  

A community vision for the future of land surrounding the Latrobe Valley’s coal mines is a step closer to being brought to life following the launch of a new collaborative research project being led by Federation University and the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME).

Building on previous studies, the Collaborative Planning for Post-Mine Land Use in the Latrobe Valley project has entered a new phase focussing on how the mine lands will be developed in the future, based on the community’s preferred uses.

In 2025, the project found enhanced biodiversity, new energy generation, affordable housing, spaces for recreation, food production and culture and arts spaces were among the community’s favoured uses.

This followed two-and-a-half years of research and consultation with more than 100 participants including young people, Indigenous community members and other residents.

Now, with funding from the Victorian Government and CRC TiME, researchers will look at what is needed to implement the community’s vision, including planning and policy requirements.

“We hope to develop a plan for the region that has support from the broader community, First Nations peoples, the mine operators and the three levels of government, which can help redefine a sense of place for the Latrobe Valley,” Federation University Associate Professor of Regional Transformation and Sustainability Science, Jess Reeves said.

“We want to honour the past and the contribution the Latrobe Valley has made to the prosperity of Victoria, take that pride and bring it into the next generation.”

Key to honouring the past and building on the region’s strengths is the project’s collaborative governance approach.

“The Latrobe Valley is leading the way globally, with the investment of time, space and expertise by all participants showing how to work together towards implementing a shared post-mine land use vision,” CRC TiME CEO Dr Guy Boggs said.

“As a national organisation working with other regions experiencing transition, we will integrate learning from the Latrobe Valley and connect the project with new tools, datasets, capability and policy innovation to inform the implementation pathway.” 

The two-year study will be conducted in partnership with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and include the three mine operators, Latrobe City Council and relevant government departments.

“Partnering with Gunaikurnai represents a critical mechanism for reconciliation in this region where mining development historically proceeded without the involvement of Traditional Owners,” Associate Professor Reeves said.

“By incorporating Gunaikurnai rights and aspirations in post-mining land use decisions, we can support cultural renewal, self-determination and regionally driven economic benefit.”

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Cultural Leader Aunty Lena Morris said coal mine remediation offered a historic opportunity to heal Country, embed Gunaikurnai cultural knowledge and practices into future work on Country, and to realise economic independence for Gunaikurnai communities.

"We must heal not just the mine voids, but also the waterways, lakes, aquifers, ecosystems, animals, plants, skies, and communities that have been impacted by mining," Aunty Lena said.

The long-term vision was prepared in 2025 to help inform mine operators, investors and government, to complement the mine closure planning processes and inform future development, acknowledging the many steps needed for it to be realised.

“This important project will help guide the transition of former mining land. It’s a unique opportunity to show what can be achieved when we come together and work towards a shared vision,” Resources Victoria Director Resources Planning and Rehabilitation,” Anthony Feigl said.

Almost 10,000 hectares of land adjacent to major towns with transportation energy infrastructure and rich biodiversity areas could be redeveloped over the coming decades through a combination of private and public means.

Participants identified green spaces for nature-based recreation and healing Country, mixed density housing with community gardens, and sustainable food and fibre among their preferred land uses.

An advanced manufacturing hub and renewable energy developments were also identified, while the expansion of bike tracks and the inclusion of space for ‘noisy’ activities like motocross or outdoor live music venues were all supported.