Fed: Row between ACT and NSW over Canberra fires
A row has broken out between the ACT government and New South Wales rural fire authoritiesover sharing the blame for January's devastating bushfires in Canberra.
ACT chief minister JON STANHOPE -- under pressure over criticisms in a new report ofthe ACT's handling of the fires -- says a blaze from NSW played a part in the firestorm.
And he says NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner PHIL KOPERBERG should share some responsibilityfor the January 18 disaster in which four people were killed and more than 500 homes destroyed.
Mr STANHOPE says Mr KOPERBERG was responsible for the McIntyre's Hut fire, which hesays is regarded as having had the most direct impact on the Weston Creek area of Canberra.
Mr KOPERBERG says the ACT chief minister is under pressure and it's regrettable he'spointing the finger at NSW fire authorities.
He says there's nothing in the McLEOD report which indicates any particular fire dominatedin the damage inflicted on Canberra suburbs.
The inquiry by former commonwealth ombudsman RON McLEOD found the disaster may havebeen averted if an initial blaze sparked by lightning in the Namadgi National Park hadbeen contained.
AAP RTV mb/sp/jmt
KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES ACT (CANBERRA)
No comments:
Post a Comment