On Air Highlights

Victoria Making Electrical Upgrades to Protect Against Bush Fires

29 December 2011

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The state government of Victoria has announced a one billion dollar upgrade to the state’s electricity network, as part of its response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Black Saturday bushfires.

The devastating fires that swept through parts of Victoria in February 2009 killed 173 people and destroyed thousands of homes. The inquiry into the disaster found that faulty powerlines caused some of the fires, including the one in Kilmore East which killed 119 people.

Under the changes announced on Thursday, the Victorian Government will replace some of the most dangerous powerlines in the state. It will also require power companies to use technology that can automatically shut down powerlines on high fire risk days.

Phil Kafcaloudes spoke to the Victorian Minister for Energy Resources, Michael O’Brien.

Presenter: Phil Kafcaloudes

Speaker: Michael O’Brien, Victorian Minister for Energy Resources