Reports face

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
Powerlines were responsible for starting the biggest and most deadly fires in February 2009, including the Kilmore East fire which spread to Kinglake and Marysville, and killed 119 people.
The recent fires in East Gippsland were also found to have started from powerlines – on a day when Melbourne reached 40 degrees.
The Brumby Government established the taskforce last October as part of its response to the Bushfire Royal Commission, to explore how bushfires caused by electrical assets could be minimised.
The taskforce was due to release an interim report on 30 January and the final report by 30 June.
Last Wednesday the Baillieu Government released a statement which said the taskforce would report back on 30 September with an extended mandate, while the interim report was “not necessary.”
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell said the Baillieu Government was withholding crucial information from his community and had already broken its election commitment of transparency and accountability.
“Only days before the second anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires, the Baillieu Liberal Government is treating our community with disrespect and contempt,” Mr Mitchell said.
The Federal Labor MP called on State Liberal Seymour MP Cindy McLeish to stand up for her community like she had promised to during the state election and join Mr Mitchell in calling on the Baillieu Government to release the report immediately.
“Leaving this until September only delays the process of making our community as fire safe as possible for the next bushfire season,” Mr Mitchell said.
But Ms McLeish said she supported the Baillieu Government’s decision “wholeheartedly, because that’s what’s best for my electorate”.
Ms McLeish said the Baillieu Government had already committed $50 million to begin upgrading powerlines in the areas of highest bushfire risk, “whereas the previous government did not budget one cent towards making it happen”.
“For me personally I would much rather see a firm plan and progress around bushfire protection in my electorate and make some real headway.
“To move forward we’re putting our dollars where our mouth is.”
Minister for Energy Michael O’Brien said there would be ample opportunity for further community and stakeholder consultation.