More than 80 people have registered to be part of a class action for compensation for losses and damages caused by February’s Mickleham-Kilmore bushfires.
The class action, led by Warrnambool-based Maddens Lawyers, follows the Macedon Ranges blaze that burnt more than 5500 hectares between Mickleham and Kilmore.
Senior partner and bushfire compensation expert Brendan Pendergast fronted a meeting in Kilmore last Wednesday to discuss the proposed compensation claim against energy company SP AusNet.
The class action will claim the fire began when a tree fell on a powerline at the Avenue of Honour in Mickleham.
“We say the Avenue of Honour comprises a series of aged river red and sugar gum trees that had previously been identified as hazardous trees,” Mr Pendergast told Star Weekly.
“The particular tree that fell onto the transmission line ought to have been identified as hazardous and steps should have been taken to remove it before it fell.”
The February fires were the worst Victoria has faced since Black Saturday in 2009.
The Mickleham fire burnt out of control for a number of days and affected several towns, including Darraweit Guim, Springfield, Chintin, Wallan, Beveridge and Craigieburn.
Thirteen homes were destroyed, as were farm houses and sheds. About 10,000 sheep and 600 cattle perished.
Mr Pendergast encouraged residents to contact the firm for more information about the compensation process.
Meanwhile, BlazeAid, an organisation that helped residents who couldn’t afford to pay contractors to rebuild fences after bushfires, ceased operations on Friday.
More than 110 property owners received help and about 100 kilometres of fencing was cleared and rebuilt.
To contact Maddens Lawyers, call their tollfree bushfire compensation line on 1800 139 290 or go to www.maddenslawyers.com.au
