Latrobe City Council will write to the relevant State Ministers calling for action to improve the community’s health at Morwell.
Mayor Cr Sharon Gibson will seek an update about public health improvements proposed after the Hazelwood Mine Fire in 2014.
The letter will urge Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) to address the proposals made by the Morwell and Districts Community Recovery Committee for a ‘Community Based Emergency Plan’, which would include a ‘Community Safer Place’ and ‘Community Communication’ system to be implemented for the town of Morwell.
“The community of Morwell was inundated with toxic emissions for 45 days during the Hazelwood Mine Fire and that affected the health of many people in our community,” Cr Gibson said.
“There is a risk of such a fire occurring again, as Morwell is surrounded by coal mines and also plantations, as well having heavy industry to the east that uses chemicals that pose a risk should there be another fire.”
The letter will seek clarification of the EMV communication process with the Committee to resume effective dialogue.
The letter will also request project plans with timeframes up to an expected completion date or an explanation detailing the rationale for any decisions not to complete the project.
The Mayor will also request the Community Recovery Committee to provide a written report to Council, including the reasons underlying the proposals.
At the 1 March 2021 Council meeting, Cr Graeme Middlemiss moved a motion calling for Council to write to the Ministers and this was seconded by Cr Tracie Lund. The motion was carried by Council unanimously.