Hazelwood Fire Protest

Residents in the Latrobe Valley have been living with the smoke emanating from the Hazelwood Coalmine Fire for nearly 4 weeks, with those in Morwell closest to the open cut mine being particularly affected. A small community campaign group was formed, rapidly organising a very successful public meeting and protest last Sunday 2nd March at Kernot Hall in Morwell. Government and media attention grew out of this campaign, with the state’s Chief Medical Officer, Rosemary Lester, announcing that vulnerable sections of the community (the elderly, very young, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions), living in the southern area of Morwell, were advised to move out of the area temporarily, and the state government has offered small relocation grants to those eligible.

However, the remaining residents of Morwell and the surrounding areas continue to suffer from the inhalation of the smoke, and the ash blanketing their homes, schools and businesses. The campaign group continues to demand more from the state government, including declaring a State of Emergency in the Latrobe Valley, with ALL affected residents being assisted to relocate while the smoke persists; and compensation from the Hazelwood Power Station operator GDF Suez, for failing to remediate the unused mine to prevent the disaster.

An action is planned for next Tuesday 11th March, meeting at 12noon at GDF Suez Melbourne headquarters at the Rialto Towers. A march to Parliament House will follow to arrive in time for Parliament to convene at 1pm. Latrobe Valley residents will be able to ask questions and make their concerns and demands heard.

https://www.facebook.com/events/311149542343648/311824032276199/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity

We support the Latrobe Valley community in their fight for their rights to live in a healthy environment, and encourage VHPA members to attend the rally if they’re able, send messages to the community campaign in solidarity and sign the petition here.