Tuesday, 9 December 2025

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:18): (1184) My question today is for the minister representing the Minister for Emergency Services in the other place. In the past week we have seen a number of dangerous fire situations in designated renewable energy zones, including the King Valley, where possibly the largest solar facility in the state has just been approved. This, along with the fire at Wellington in New South Wales near Dubbo, has my constituents concerned with the potential for contamination from run-off due to firefighting efforts. Minister, what is being done to protect the environment, water catchment areas, agricultural land and communities from this potentially dangerous run-off in the event of a fire?

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:18): I thank Ms Tyrrell for her question and her ongoing interest in fire protection. This will be referred to the Minister for Emergency Services, Minister Ward, and I know that this is front and centre of mind.