Vic govt to launch inquiry into methane risk
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Men work at the site of a methane gas leak in Cranbourne, Melbourne. Hundreds of Brookland Greens estate residents are being urged to leave the area (September 12, 2008). (ABC)
The Victorian Government is setting up an inquiry into the threat of a methane gas explosion at a Cranbourne housing estate.
Residents in the Brookland Greens Estate have been advised to move out for 12 months because of the risk of dangerous levels of methane leaking from a nearby tip.
The Acting Premier, Rob Hulls, says the inquiry will be launched within the next fortnight.
"The Government will be setting up an inquiry to try and give them the answers that they are seeking," he said.
"We're working through the most appropriate options for an inquiry."
"Discussions are taking place right now across Government as to the most appropriate type of inquiry and the most appropriate focus of that inquiry," he said.
Twenty-nine families have now moved out of the estate.
Twenty-eight emergency assistance grants of $1,000 have been paid and five applications for more than $8,000 in aid are being considered.
A panel of experts is expected to recommend tomorrow that extraction bores be installed on the estate.
Many residents are considering taking part in a class action against Casey Council.
The Attorney General, Rob Hulls says they will be eligible for free legal help.
"I can say that both Legal Aid at Frankston and also at Dandenong and the Peninsula Community Legal Centre and also the Environmental Offenders Office are all ready and willing to give free legal assistance to people who require it," he said.
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