# Backing Latrobe Valley And Gippsland

Date: 9 Oct 2026
Released by: Colin Brooks, Treasurer

## MediaRelease.co Summary

Victorian Treasurer Colin Brooks has announced that all revenue from EnergyAustralia's water entitlement for rehabilitating the Yallourn coal mine will go to the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund for Gippsland. EnergyAustralia will pay $230 per megalitre, indexed to inflation, once water is used after Yallourn Power Station closes in 2028. Access will be heavily restricted in dry years to protect Latrobe River flows.

## Original release

The Carroll Labor Government is ensuring every dollar raised from water access for Latrobe Valley mine rehabilitation goes back into local communities. Treasurer Colin Brooks today announced all revenue from EnergyAustralia's water entitlement for the Yallourn coal mine will be invested in the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. This follows the Government's decision to direct all revenue from AGL's water entitlement into the same fund – backing local jobs, community projects and infrastructure across Gippsland. EnergyAustralia will pay $230 per megalitre of water accessed each year, with the rate increasing in line with inflation. Payments will begin once water is used for mine rehabilitation, following the planned closure of Yallourn Power Station in 2028. The water entitlement will help EnergyAustralia rehabilitate the Yallourn coal mine and leave the site safe and stable for the environment and future generations. Strict conditions will protect local farmers, existing water users and the environment. Water access will be heavily restricted in dry years and limited to wetter periods to protect river flows. The Government has also reduced the amount of water that can be taken from the Latrobe River once power generation ends – protecting water availability for local communities and farmers. EnergyAustralia must also secure the necessary mine rehabilitation approvals before using water for rehabilitation. Labor is backing Latrobe Valley's future by supporting local jobs, protecting water security and ensuring communities benefit from mine rehabilitation. For more information, visit resources.vic.gov.au . Quote attributable to Treasurer Colin Brooks "Every dollar raised from water access for mine rehabilitation will go straight back into the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland – supporting local jobs, infrastructure and communities." Quotes attributable to Minister for Water and Minister for Rural and Regional Development Michaela Settle "We're making sure Latrobe Valley's former coal mines are safe and stable, while protecting the water local farmers and communities rely on." Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing "We're backing local families and communities by making sure the benefits of mine rehabilitation stay right here in Gippsland and specifically the Latrobe Valley.”

## Key details

- Issued by: Colin Brooks, Treasurer
- Published: 9 Oct 2026
- Publisher country: Australia
- Subject country/region: Victoria (Australia)
- Original source: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/backing-latrobe-valley-and-gippsland
- MediaRelease.co URL: https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01840-backing-latrobe-valley-and-gippsland-09102026.html

Original source: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/backing-latrobe-valley-and-gippsland
MediaRelease.co canonical URL: https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01840-backing-latrobe-valley-and-gippsland-09102026.html