Friday, 31 August 2018

Hazelwood Power Station will not be included on the Victorian Heritage Register, after Heritage Victoria found it did not meet the necessary criteria.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne said while the site was important to the Latrobe Valley, it did not meet the criteria required for recognition of cultural heritage significance at a State level.

Central to the decision was that:

• Hazelwood Power Station is not associated with any key phases in the development of the Latrobe Valley as a power producing region
• The station does not demonstrate or contain any new information or technologies
• It does not contain any unusual features that are not more widely replicated in other power stations.

Hazelwood Power Station’s aesthetic qualities had not received critical recognition within a relevant art, design, architectural or related discipline as an outstanding example within Victoria.

The decision was informed through an extensive process, which included the Minister’s consideration of reports from heritage groups as well as community feedback.

The Executive Director of Heritage Victoria determined in May the site should not go on the Heritage Register whereas the Heritage Council made a recommendation earlier this month that it should be included.

The site’s owner is exploring ways to recognise the significance of the site in a way that acknowledges its important social and industrial history over a 50-year period, while also working to ensure the site’s safety.

The Andrews Labor Government is building a healthier and safer Latrobe Valley, with a $266 million transition package to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and grow local businesses.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne

“This is the right decision that will provide certainty for the community moving forward.”

“We’ll be working closely with industry and the community to find ways to recognise the history of energy production, while building a new, brighter future in the Latrobe Valley.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Decommissioning works at Hazelwood have been underway for well over a year and we’re building new infrastructure, driving private investment and delivering better community facilities across the Valley.”

“It is vital in light of this decision that the community is part of finding meaningful, respectful and engaging ways to celebrate the contribution Hazelwood has made to our history and identity.”