Filling one mine pit with water is one thing - but Latrobe City Council wants to know what will happen when three open cut mines in the region suck up enough water to fill almost five Sydney Harbours over the next three decades.

What happened: Last week, Latrobe City councillors retrospectively endorsed a submission to the Victorian government for Energy Australia to access 630GL of water from the Latrobe Valley river system. 

The plan? To rehabilitate its open-cut mine pit at Yallourn.

Show me the money: The state government received submissions earlier this year from businesses, councils and environmental groups with suggestions for what Energy Australia will be charged for the water. 

“We’re the only region in Australia that has three coal mines within 30km of each other, and we’re the only region in Australia that does not have a dedicated long-term state or commonwealth funded transition package to support the municipality through the closure of coal”, he said.

Read the full story here.

In front of Latrobe Valley’s Loy Yang power station on Monday, One Nation Victoria announced it would keep the coal plant running past its expected 2035 closure date, cancel renewable energy projects and lift the state’s ban on nuclear energy if elected in the November state election.

But energy experts are doubtful One Nation’s plan will lead to reliable and affordable power.

What happened: Pauline Hanson and One Nation Victoria leader, Warren Pickering, announced the party’s energy policy will involve expanding gas exploration, extending coal fired plants beyond already planned shutdowns and halting the development of Gippsland’s Offshore Wind Zone.

Why it matters: As Victoria’s aging coal-fired power stations prepare for retirement and renewable energy developments ramp up to fill the gap, a change in state government policy could impact power bills, local businesses and developers.

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The Monitor stopped into the Port Welshpool General Store to speak to the owners Magno and Cecil Malonzo about how they ended up in Welshpool and taste test their towering Welshpool burger.

Check out a video on the general store below.

Read the full story here.

The Monitor asked Traralgon residents which state election issue was front of mind for them before they head to the ballot box in November. Take a look at what they had to say below.

🏝️ Whether it’s a scenic coastline, the rolling Strzelecki Ranges or high up in the forested mountain ranges, Gippsland is peppered with small towns that are perfect for a weekend getaway.

To help you find the ideal location, the Monitor has compiled a list of our 10 favourite spots for that regional holiday.

Check out the list here.

Should you know more about where your travelling before you leave?

My colleague Archie Milligan from the National Account put together this video looking into whether Australians should have clearer warnings about catastrophic natural disasters before they travel.

Take a look at the video below.