By Jessica Micallef
A Lancefield landholder whose property was devastated in a 2015 bushfire is claiming almost $1 million in compensation.
In September 2015, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) instigated a controlled burn-off in Lancefield that resulted in the fire escaping containment lines and entering nearby properties, including the firewood business of Graeme and Adele Walker.
Public documents lodged with the County Court show that DELWP had agreed to pay the Walkers $172,895 in compensation, which they accepted.
But the Walkers are now claiming almost $1 million in compensation to cover lost firewood, a vintage bulldozer, uncut timber burnt on the forest floor and loss of future earnings as a result of the fire.
While DELWP has admitted the burns broke the containment lines and entered surrounding properties, it is defending the claim in the County Court.
Mr Walker’s sister, Cherie Goodson, acting as spokesperson for the couple, said she couldn’t comprehend how a controlled burn was able to get out of hand.
Ms Goodson said it was disappointing her brother and DELWP could not see “eye to eye” on the matter.
“They can’t come to an arrangement because they won’t accept what he says and I think it’s just made him more determined,” she said.
“They [DELWP] have to own up to their responsibilities. At this stage, they won’t agree to pay for the value of the wood. Graeme has a registered wood business – for in excess of 25 years he’s had this business.
“You have to look at the dollar value from his point of view – it’s a lot of wood cut for the next couple of seasons … in Melbourne, it hits a pretty penny.”
The matter is listed for trial in the County Court on December 3.
