Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you for your question, Senator Madigan. The department is aware from correspondence from TRUenergy that recent heavy rains in the Gippsland region have resulted in damage to a section of the Morwell River Diversion, impacting on the operation of the existing Yallourn power station and the coal conveyor system. If any activity taken by TRUenergy in relation to the mine water discharge is likely to have a significant impact on nationally protected matters, then it may require referral under national environmental law. As no referral has been received in regard to this specific activity, the minister has referred this matter to the Compliance and Enforcement Branch of the department for investigation. The minister will keep you informed and the parliament informed of outcomes of that investigation.