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Fire hearings to be held in Morwell and BairnsdaleDue to the numerous requests from the Gippsland National MPs, the Victorian Parliament’s Environment and Planning Committee will hold hearings in Gippsland for the Inquiry into Fire Season Preparedness. Read for more information. By Portal Admin - 2nd September 2016 - Back to News Following numerous requests from Gippsland Nationals MPs, the Victorian Parliament’s Environment and Planning Committee will hold hearings in Gippsland for the Inquiry into Fire Season Preparedness.
Regional hearings will be held in Morwell on Monday 26th September and in Bairnsdale on Tuesday 27th September 2016.
Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath, who sits on the committee, is encouraging interested parties to make a submission and attend hearings.
"It is important that we have a range of people share their views and experiences on fire preparedness whether that be CFA volunteers, farmers, local councils and residents in high risk areas," Ms Bath said.
"Preventative burning is one of the key issues being considered and we will examine how it is done, how effective it is and what impacts it has on vegetation and threatened species."
Member for Morwell Russell Northe said it was vital the Morwell electorate was adequately represented at the hearings.
"District 27, the newest CFA district, will be instrumental in relation to preparedness for the forthcoming fire season and we are concerned about the Labor government’s commitment to this district following some teething problems," Mr Northe said.
"The Latrobe Valley has battled significant bushfire events and has extensive infrastructure that is heavily utilised by the whole state and which needs to be protected – the power industry, timber, farming and oil and gas extraction."
Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said his electorate was very fire-prone due to expansive national and state park areas, scrub and farmland and advocated strongly for a hearing to be held in Bairnsdale.
"The issues discussed in this inquiry will be significant to our local communities who face the threat of bushfire every year and I encourage those who may be affected to attend the hearing," Mr Bull said.
For information on the inquiry and hearings visit: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc/inquiry/437
Media Contact: Renee Switzer 5174 7066 Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: support@gippsland.com
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