The Board accepts the opinion of Mr Lapsley regarding the cause of the mine fire given that there is strong support for it in the evidence and that there is no evidence to the contrary. Under its Terms of Reference, the Board has been directed not to prejudice any investigation by Victoria Police. Accordingly, the Board does not reach any conclusions about the causes of the Hernes Oak- Track, McDonald’s Hernes Oak and Driffield fires. The Board acknowledges that appropriate warnings were made in the lead up to 9 February 2014 about the potential risk of a catastrophic fire event occurring. However, warnings are only a short-term solution. In the long-term the emphasis needs to be on education based on past experience. Education is particularly important for those Victorians living in areas most vulnerable to bushfire.
The Board accepts the opinion of Mr Lapsley regarding the cause of the mine fire given that there is strong support for it in the evidence and that there is no evidence to the contrary. Under its Terms of Reference, the Board has been directed not to prejudice any investigation by Victoria Police. Accordingly, the Board does not reach any conclusions about the causes of the Hernes Oak- McDonald’s Track, Hernes Oak and Driffield fires. The Board acknowledges that appropriate warnings were made in the lead up to 9 February 2014 about the potential risk of a catastrophic fire event occurring. However, warnings are only a short-term solution. In the long-term the emphasis needs to be on education based on past experience. Education is particularly important for those Victorians living in areas most vulnerable to bushfire.
Hazelwood_Mine_Inquiry_Report_Part02_PF_24_pt.docx