Advance Morwell has welcomed the recommendations of the Hazelwood Mine Fire Enquiry Report together with the affirmations made by both GDF SUEZ and the Victorian Government.
According to John Guy, Chair of Advance Morwell, the report is very comprehensive and clearly details the inadequacies of the GDF SUEZ response along with the failure of various Government agencies to respond in a timely manner.
“While the report highlights the failure of Labour, Coalition and Local Governments and Local government, to effectively regulate and enforce the operation of mining in the Latrobe Valley, Advance Morwell is disappointed that the recommendations do not address this situation.” Said Mr Guy
“If implemented, the comprehensive list of recommendations and affirmations, together with actions regarding the regulation of coal mines in the Latrobe Valley, should mean that we never in future experience an event of this magnitude.” He added.
Mr Guy, who is a forty year plus resident of Morwell, as well as Chair of Advance Morwell, went on to say that there is a strong feeling within the Morwell Business and wider Community, that it is now time to see an end to the endless negative publicity about Morwell.
“Our traders, whose businesses suffered significant financial impacts as a result of the fires, are telling us that in the interests of the town’s future economic viability and reputation, we now need to put this traumatic event behind us and move on.” Said Mr Guy.
“We can do nothing to change the past, but we can use what we have learnt from this event to make sure that the people of Morwell and surrounds do not experience such a catastrophic event again.” He added.
Advance Morwell has applauded this week’s announcement by Craig Lapsley, Chief Fire Officer, of the creation of the Latrobe Valley Fire District, covering about 25 fire brigades and all the power stations and coal mines.
According to Mr Guy, this initiative will strengthen the effort to control and mitigate further outbreaks of fire in and around the Latrobe Valley.
