VIC:Govt fires response expected on Friday

AAP General News (Australia)
08-27-2010
VIC:Govt fires response expected on Friday

MELBOURNE, Aug 27 AAP - The Victorian government on Friday is expected to bring down
its official response to the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission's final report.

The report, released on July 31, contained scathing critiques of those in charge when
the Black Saturday fires swept Victoria last year, killing 173 people, on February 7,
2009.

The Victorian government has already supported 59 of the commission's 67 recommendations,
including the appointment of a new Bushfire Services Commissioner to take charge on high
fire risk days. Former Country Fire Authority deputy chief Craig Lapsley was appointed
this month.

But the government is holding out on the remaining proposals, including voluntary buy-outs
of homes in high-risk fire areas and overhauling overhead power lines in bushfire zones.

The government ruled out buy-outs of high-risk homes in the days immediately after
the final report was released.

It has held a series of meetings in bushfire-affected areas and other centres around
the state as part of its promise to consult the community before it makes its final response.

It's expected that Victorian Premier John Brumby will announce the government's response
in Melbourne on Friday.

AAP jrd/cdh/mp

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