Class action gas leak talks

By Bridget Brady
THE law firm representing methane gas affected Cranbourne residents says it is confident mediation talks with Casey council are on the right track.
Discussions between the two parties were held last week and have now been rescheduled for later in the month.
Slater and Gordon is representing more than 600 Brookland Greens residents in a class action after methane gas leaked into the estate from the nearby Stevensons Road closed landfill in September 2008.
Associate for Slater and Gordon Manisha Blencowe said it would return to the negotiating table on 28 September.
“We’re hopeful that discussions are moving in the right direction,” Ms Blencowe said.
“We’re confident that some of the impediments have been resolved.”
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said the council maintained a range of parties contributed to the disaster.
It is estimated the council will spend more than $100 million to cover remediation works at the landfill, and has spent $42 million in the past 18 months.
The State Government has confirmed it will chip in $17.5 million to the clean-up.
“The Council will continue to undertake a comprehensive works and monitoring program, both on the site and within the estate,” Cr Wreford said.
“The City of Casey is hopeful of a resolution at the mediation proceedings.”