Gas blame game

By Bridget Brady
BROOKLAND Greens residents affected by the methane gas scare say authorities are running for cover in the lead up to the class action against the City of Casey.
As the 27 March court date approaches, Casey revealed that consultancy group ENSR had told the council that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took its advice to relocate residents from their homes “out of context”.
In an email to the City of Casey, ENSR said: “We were somewhat surprised by the fact that the EPA’s email implied that ENSR’s letter dated 4 September 2008 advised of circumstances that ‘necessitate the relocation of residents’.
“This phrase has been taken out of context in relation to the letter in its entirety and it is concerning that the EPA failed to refer to the other actions that were identified in our letter.”
Brookland Greens resident Terry Fox said the letter was an example of authorities “ducking for cover”.
“It’s all smoke and mirrors. But it will all come out in court.”
The CFA, on advice from the EPA, advised Brookland Greens residents to leave their homes in September when explosive readings of methane gas were found in some ho mes.
Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said the council welcomed the Ombudsman’s inquiry and was cooperating fully with the investigation.
More than 500 residents are seeking unspecified damages from the council, claiming the value of their homes has plummeted since the high reading of methane gas were found.
Slater and Gordon lawyer Ben Hardwick, who is representing the residents in the class action, said the letter was not of major concern for the residents involved in the class action.
“As far as we’re concerned it’s just another example of finger-pointing and blame shifting.”
The council has until 27 February to file its defence.