Southern Rural Water is seeking community feedback on two water licence applications related to the Hazelwood and Yallourn mines.
These relate to groundwater licence renewals. These licences are for short-term safety only. They are not long-term mine rehabilitation plans, or licences to fill the mines or create lakes.
The current groundwater licences held by Engie and Energy Australia expire on 31 August 2025, and new applications were submitted in April and June 2025.
Applications in focus
Engie
Has requested an extension of their existing groundwater licence for five years, which has a take-and-use volume of 20,480 ML per year. Engineering consulting firm GHD has provided a report to support the application, which explains the need to retain current access to groundwater to maintain safe and stable conditions for the mine void at Hazelwood.
Energy Australia
Has requested an extension of their existing groundwater licence for a further 15 years. This includes groundwater extraction for depressurisation and mine de-watering, in order to achieve a safe and stable mine.
This application proposes access to 1,580 ML per year over the next 15 years from the Rosedale Groundwater Management Area and Stratford Groundwater Management Area. The extension would cover the remaining operating life of the Yallourn coal mine, which is planned for closure in 2028. GHD has also provided a report to support the application.
Southern Rural Water considerations
Southern Rural Water is limited to only consider Section 40 items under the Water Act 1989. These matters include, but are not limited to, the existing and projected availability of water, the quality of water, and any adverse impacts the water use will have on other users.
Section 40 matters also consider the need to protect the environment, current government policies and the purpose for which the water will be used.
Feedback and transparency
Southern Rural Water aims to ensure the community has access to accurate and transparent information about the applications and is given a fair opportunity to provide feedback before any decisions are made.
As such, we will hold the formal consultation process until Thursday 7 August, before making any decisions. The consultation will provide information about the applications, describe their purpose, and invite community input before any decision.
A decision is expected before the 31 August 2025 expiry, but if additional time is needed, temporary water access may be granted to maintain mine safety during any transition period.
Anyone affected by the decision can apply in writing to the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal for a review within 28 days of the decision.
Your say
Southern Rural Water reviews each application fairly, using advice from experts and feedback from the community.
We are inviting public feedback and will include your input in our review, before any decisions are made. The consultation will remain open until 4pm Thursday, 7 August.
Written submissions can be submitted via email or post. Please direct enquiries and submissions to Alisha Clark, Manager Water Licencing.
Email srw@srw.com.au, or post to PO Box 153 Maffra VIC 3860.
Enquiries to 1300 139 510.
Please quote reference:
- AC1873434 (Engie)
- AC1884927 (Energy Australia)