Hearings into the post-fire spike in deaths at the reopened Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry commence next week.
Since the terrible events of February 2014, when toxic coal smoke choked the towns of the Latrobe Valley, the local community has fought hard to find the truth about the fire.
Environmental Justice Australia has acted for community group Voices of the Valley throughout the process and helped the group to achieve the re-opening of the inquiry to consider whether there was a short term spike in deaths from exposure to the air pollution caused by the mine fire.
The community have worked tirelessly to have their voices heard. They’ve collected evidence and found the experts they needed to interpret it. They’ve told their own stories, even when governments have been reluctant to listen.
At this inquiry, with limited government support, they have called their own witnesses and experts to testify to the devastating effects of the fire on their health and community.
We’ll keep you informed as the hearings unfold – stay tuned.