The Latrobe Valley will be better protected from the risk of coal mine fires, with the Andrews Labor Government establishing a dedicated fire safety team in the area.

Minister for Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said positions for six mine fire safety experts will be advertised tomorrow, with most of the roles to be based in the Latrobe Valley region.

The establishment of a Mine Fire Safety Unit was a recommendation of the 2014 Hazelwood Mine Fire Board of Inquiry and a Labor Government commitment in the subsequent Hazelwood Coal Mine Fire Inquiry: Implementation and Monitoring Plan.

The Labor Government is committed to ensuring mining activity in Victoria is carried out safely, and that people of the Latrobe Valley are given the greater protections that they deserve.

Earlier this year, the Labor Government took action to reduce the risk of fires in coal mines by bringing forward requirements for mine operators to carry out risk assessments and put in place plans to address fire risks.

Mining licences have been varied so operators are required to implement a plan to reduce the risk of a mine fire, to fight any fires that occur and to mitigate the impacts of any fires.

The Labor Government allocated $30 million in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget to implement all recommendations of the 2014 Hazelwood Mine Fire Board of Inquiry. This includes funding a long-term health study in the Latrobe Valley to support the safety and wellbeing of the local community.

For further information about the six Mine Fire Safety positions, visit www.careers.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio

“Our new expert Mine Fire Safety Unit will better protect the Latrobe Valley from the risk of coal mine fires.”

“The previous Coalition Government abandoned the people of the Valley, at a time when they most needed help.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Safety and wellbeing for residents and workers in the Latrobe Valley community is paramount and this announcement by the Andrews Government is another important step towards providing the best protection possible.”