An independent expert will test and analyse the ash in 50 Morwell roof cavities as part of the State Government’s response to the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry.
The work is now underway and aims to identify and assess any risks to health.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy today announced expressions of interest were now open to participate in the independent process.
“We know the issue of brown coal ash in roof cavities is a significant concern for the community – that’s why we are determined to get to the bottom of these concerns as quickly as possible,” Ms Hennessy said.
“We want the community to be involved every step of the way, that’s why it’s so important people affected by the fire and ash register to be one of the 50 houses involved in this project.”
According to the government, the program will take a representative sample from Morwell homes.
These results will then be compared with another 10 roof cavities in a separate Gippsland area unaffected by the mine fire.
The government has committed to publicly releasing the test results and working side-by-side with the community to address the findings.
The mine fire inquiry stated if the analysis revealed any potentially hazardous content, that an audit be conducted and an action plan be developed to remove ash from all affected houses.
“The engagement of an independent expert is part of a number of actions we are taking to make Morwell homes safer and to improve the overall health of local residents,” Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said.
Morwell residents interested in being part of the roof cavity study can obtain an expression of interest form from Latrobe City Council offices or visit www2.health.vic.gov.au/emergencies/hazelwood/ash-project
