Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Morwell Land Movement Princes Freeway Community Update No 4. Morwell Land Movement By Malcolm Lawrence - 2nd June 2011 - Back to News Morwell Land Movement/Princes Freeway Closure
Community Update
Hi everyone,
I am pleased to bring you this update on behalf of the emergency management team (EMT).
Works are progressing well. I understand there have recently been conflicting reports about the progress that has been made and this may be causing some concern.
Be assured that the EMT and geotechnical experts continue to work around the clock to understand the extent of movement in the area of concern and find a solution for the main drain.
We have achieved a significant amount of work and gathered a lot of important data in the past three months. We have had success in understanding the very complex nature of this incident which is crucial to developing the way forward and what work is needed to ensure the safety of the area. To date the following works have been completed:
32 horizontal bores have been drilled to drain ground water away from the area of concern
A further 14 are to be drilled with one currently underway
Four extensometers that measure land movement and provide real time monitoring (with alarms) across crack zones of the freeway have been installed and are fully operational
Piezometers, used to measure ground water levels, have been installed throughout the area of concern and are also being actively monitored.
Our focus is to keep doing the work that is delivering results. With no significant movement detected in recent weeks, we can be cautiously optimistic.
As you may be aware, Professor Tim Sullivan presented some comprehensive modelling and data to the members of the EMT on Tuesday 10 May.
The findings were discussed along with other data that has been gathered over the past three months during two risk assessment workshops. A comprehensive report will be submitted in June that will help to decide on the next steps.
I know it is frustrating but at this point in time we cannot be more specific about when the freeway may reopen. Public safety is our number one priority and we make no apologies for that. Our job is to ensure that the level of residual risk is acceptable before we can even think about reopening the freeway.
The reality is that the freeway will remain closed in the short term while we continue to assess the level of risk and undertake the necessary actions to reduce these risks.
As announced by Deputy Premier Peter Ryan during his visit to Morwell on Thursday 19 May, the EMT will work closely with the Government to provide fortnightly community updates on the situation to keep you informed of the work being undertaken and progress on getting the job done.
The first of these updates featured in the Express on Monday 30 May and will appear each Monday fortnight on page five. I encourage you to read these and use them as another source of information.
I ask for your continued patience and support and encourage you to visit http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=30040 for further information.
Kind regards,
Tess Walsh
Superintendent
Incident Controller
CONTACT NUMBERS
For assistance or advice for residents completing relocation plans - contact Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, Morwell’s Community Liaison Officer and Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator. Brett can be contacted on 5131 5085.or brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au
To report structural issues contact the DPI (Department of Primary Industry) customer service line on 136186.
For Freeway closure information contact VicRoads on 131170 or visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au .
For assistance at a local government level contact Latrobe City on 1300 367 700.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
Related Articles- Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - Gippsland Water reappoints Sarah Cumming as Managing Director, extending leadership and community commitment until 2030
Gippsland Water has reappointed Sarah Cumming as managing director until 2030, recognising her transformative leadership, strong community focus, and proven results, as the organisation enters a pivotal period of growth and change. - East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact. - South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised. - South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun. - Phillip Island gears up for the return of MotoGP and Marquee October events across Bass Coast
Phillip Island hosts a huge October of events, headlined by the 2025 MotoGP, drawing 100,000 fans for racing, music, and entertainment, with free Community Day tickets and Cowes transformed into an entertainment hub. - South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit. - Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes. - Raise a glass to Gippsland's finest wines, brews, spirits and ciders at 'Eat Drink Play'
EAT DRINK PLAY Gippsland serves up local wines, brews, spirits, and ciders. Festival-goers can enjoy tastings, community vibes, and unique creations from some of Gippsland's best makers. - Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care. - Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction. - From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities. - Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
|
|
