Latrobe Magnesium
Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:37): (1476) My question is to the Minister for Energy and Resources. Latrobe Magnesium was established as a demonstration plant in the Latrobe Valley and is seeking to develop a commercial-scale magnesium production facility. Concerningly, an unintended consequence of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Amendment (Financial Assurance) Act 2026 is such that it has created a trailing liabilities issue that is preventing access to the land and, importantly, the fly-ash needed to manufacture the magnesium. The company’s operations in Victoria are not viable unless a solution is found. Sadly, this has the potential to derail millions of dollars to the local economy and hundreds of jobs. Minister, what actions can you take or are you taking to resolve the issue and enable Latrobe Magnesium to access the resource it needs?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for Environment, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (12:38): I thank Ms Bath for her question and her advocacy in relation to this matter – and also that of the local member. Given your interest and some of the inquiries that have come into my office, I have had the opportunity to have an initial briefing with Resources Victoria. I understand the issue. I have gone through the map and the declaration zone, and some of the potential solutions are being explored. The advice this morning was that Latrobe Magnesium have had to provide some additional information, and that came through this morning. The deputy secretary will be taking me through the possible solutions that will go back to the company. Whether that is regulation changes, legislative changes or some other solutions, it is something that we are very happy to explore. I cannot pre-empt any of those outcomes, obviously, but I am very keen to get an outcome and I have no issue with sharing live updates with you.
Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:39): I thank the minister for her fulsome response. This is a really important industry and opportunity, and you would hate to see this fall over due to unintended consequences. My next question is: would you be able to keep not only me but my colleague Martin Cameron up to date – and also the community in Latrobe Valley – as it turns?