Macquarie MP, Susan Templeman, whose Winmalee home burnt down in the 2013 fires, was pleased to see the coroner’s findings.
“While we can’t change the events of those days, we can learn from them, and there are recommendations relating to the prevention of similar fires, the fighting of fires and the investigation,” she said.
”The various emergency services in the Blue Mountains already have an obviously strong working relationship, which we see during fires, storms and other disasters. But if there are steps, as recommended, that can be improved on, I have no doubt they will work collaboratively to implement them.”
Ms Templeman said while no lives were lost in the fires, “peoples’ lives were irrevocably changed”.
Endeavour Energy’s Ty Christopher said the findings marked a “significant milestone” for the Mountains community.
“We understand many Blue Mountains residents were deeply affected by the fires … This is a very important matter for the people involved and they deserve our continued respect and understanding.”
Endeavour had already implemented magistrate Fiona Toose’s three recommendations, he said.
“We’ve reviewed our policies and contracts to help contractors better understand their obligations, and also developed an industry-wide training course that can be used by all contractors to better identify hazard trees.
“A draft memorandum of understanding with Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS and NSW Police has also been circulated for comment.”
A significant milestone
- Ty Christopher
