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Russell Northe'S Open Letter To His Community

Fires have been prominent in our region from 7 February 2014 and this includes the current Morwell mine fire.

By Russell Northe - 25th February 2014 - Back to News

I have been asked on occasion of what my opinion is of these fires and what

actions I have subsequently taken to address community concern.

Firstly and can I say, like all community members I have significant concerns with respect to the

mine fire. Having lived and worked in this region for all of my life along with many family and

friends I absolutely share many of the issues that have been raised. I have indeed expressed

publicly both the positive outcomes and in addition to this, areas where I believe information and

support needed to occur more promptly and extensively.

This has been expressed frankly with local media outlets over this past week. I'm conscious of

the fact that this fire is complex and that community is seeking additional information and

supports.

My role is to ensure that agencies, incident control, Local Government, Chief Fire Commissioner

and senior Government Ministers are acutely aware of my concerns and that of my community in

which I live and work.

Whilst it's ultimately up to those same bodies to make decisions and prepare responses in

relation to this fire incident it is my role to advocate in the strongest possible terms to all. I

ensure they have the community feedback to consider, and they then take the action and provide

information. I have done this constantly and consistently since February 7 to all the above, and

more.

It's a long standing process that in response to such incidents the EPA will provide air monitoring

results to the Chief Health Officer Victoria who will subsequently issue relevant health warnings.

I have expressed the community views raised on health issues in the short, medium and long

term. I have requested that air-monitoring and subsequent provision of information be enhanced

and increased. This includes the testing of contaminants in the air and coal ash to ensure there is

an understanding of what it actually is we are breathing.

I am pleased that in consort with others who have likewise raised these matters that action has

occurred in some areas including:

• Establishment of the Moe Respite centre

• A new community health centre in Morwell

• Additional air monitoring from EPA

• Doorknocking and letter box drops by emergency services and relevant agencies,

particularly in Morwell South.

But there is more to be done and that is why in recent conversations

and discussions with various Government Ministers and

the Chief Fire Commissioner, I have requested further support, information

and consideration on a number of matters including:

• Greater awareness of CFA methodology, strategy and resources being

utilised to extinguish the mine fire.

• Stronger clarity from the EPA and/or Department of Health

on the standards applicable to carbon monoxide levels and

allowances for community along with any potential health impacts.

• Consideration for an integrated website for this fire incident

encompassing all relevant information from different agencies

along with a permanent "one stop information shop" in Morwell.

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Russell Northe uses

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• Assistance for items purchased to deal with high levels of pollution such as dust masks

and air purifiers along with cleaning expenses incurred.

• Ensure constant health and welfare checks are available and in particular to people

residing in Morwell South including the disabled, elderly and those in aged care facilities.

• Provision for short, medium and long term health checks for local residents.

• Support for business in Morwell who may be experiencing difficulties due to fire incident.

• Extensive review of this fire including the response to community and to ensure we

prevent similar fires occurring again in the future.

These are just some of the recommendations (in brief) that I have proposed to the relevant

agencies as a local resident and Member of Parliament and on behalf of my community for

consideration and determination. I have been disappointed with some comments that I have not

been active during this incident. I assure you in the strongest possible terms that community

views and calls for action have been conveyed by me to government and I will continue to do so

as is my role.

As noted above I am in daily conversations with all relevant agencies and personnel who are

responding to this incident including those at the highest level. From Sunday 9 February 2014 I

have on multiple occasions visited the Traralgon community recovery centre, Moe respite centre

and the Morwell community health assessment centre that have all been established over this

period of time.

I attended a community meeting at Kernot Hall on Friday 14 February with my staff and whilst I

was unable to attend a further meeting on Tuesday 18 February due to Parliament sitting, I was

represented by one of my staff members. In addition I was briefed by a number of persons post

that meeting.

I have met and continue to meet with community groups and individuals to understand their

personal perspectives on this incident and have always endeavoured to provide the best possible

assistance and care through my office along with my staff members in Katherine and Tayla.

An example of my support and advocacy was explained in the most recent Advance Morwell

newsletter where it was written and I quote:

"On Monday 17th February, the Member for Morwell Russell Northe arranged for Advance

Morwell's John Guy, Max Williamson and Howard Williams to represent Morwell

residents on the Emergency Management Team (EMT) teleconferences which are held

each afternoon at 5.30pm.

This has provided Advance Morwell with the opportunity to place questions before the

team and to obtain updates on the current situation."

Also enclosed is some general community information.

I and my office will continue to ensure our community's voice is heard loud and clear and look

forward to providing support to you during this extremely difficult time.

Yours sincerely

Russell Northe MLA

Member for Morwell

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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