Cool Weather Eases Heat Threat in Victoria & South

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MELBOURNE 000017 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO SENV ENRG AS SUBJECT: Cool Weather Eases Heat Threat in Victoria & South Australia Ref: Canberra 100 Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Cooler temperatures in Victoria have eased the burden of last week's heat wave (reftel). Though damage has been substantial, brushfires have been brought largely under control and the state's emergency response services are holding up well in the face of increased human health demands. Temperatures over 105 degrees continue in South Australia, but the state has been spared from damaging brushfires and is managing other emergency health concerns effectively. While Victoria's emergency services have responded swiftly to the effects of the recent heat wave, shortcomings in Melbourne's mass transit system are taking an increasing political toll on the state government. End Summary. Cool Weather Eases Threat to Victoria -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Brushfires in Victoria's southeast burned through approximately 6,300 hectares of land and destroyed 29 houses between January 30 and February 1. Police suspect that an arsonist contributed to the blazes and an investigation is underway. Victoria Emergency Management Center's Barry Vincent told post on February 2 that cooler temperatures have eased the burden on the 650+ emergency personnel deployed to Victoria's Gippsland area and fires have been brought under control. Weather reports estimate temperatures in the mid to upper 80s for the week of February 2. Lightning storms on February 2 have ignited several new fires on the Victoria/New South Wales border; though these fires are also reportedly being effectively managed. ¶3. (SBU) Chris James at the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates the economic cost of heat wave in Victoria at A$100 million (US$636 million). Approximately 25,000 homes in Melbourne were without power for several hours on January 30 as rolling blackouts attempted to mitigate spikes in electricity consumption. According to press accounts, more than 1,300 train services were cancelled during the week of January 26 due to damaged tracks, faulty air conditioning or other heat-related incidents. Pressure is mounting on Victorian Public Transportation Minister Lynne Kosky as she continues to ask for patience during the "extraordinary" heat wave. ¶4. (U) Since the heat wave commenced on January 28, Victoria's emergency services have reportedly seen a 70 percent increase in calls and have treated scores of people for heat-related illnesses. Reports in the press have varied, but at least six people have died due to effects of the heat wave. According to Barry Vincent, Victoria has responded to increased human health demands by establishing an integrated emergency operations center in order to improve coordination between the state's various emergency response centers. Heat Wave Continues in South Australia -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Peter Scott of South Australia's State Emergency Service (SES) told post on February 2 that the state continues to face 105+ degree Fahrenheit weather. While the state has now broken a 100-year heat record, South Australia has not seen significant brushfires. According to Scott, other heat-related emergency services such as responding to falling trees and electrical outages have left volunteers working "flat out." South Australia, Scott said, is accustomed to high temperatures and is well positioned to continue to meet the challenges ahead. Temperatures are expected to drop in South Australia to the high 90s by February 7. Comment -------------- ¶6. (SBU) The state governments of South Australia and Victoria continue to manage the impact of last week's heat wave. Brushfires have been kept to a minimum in South Australia, and Victorian firefighters were able to defend the key Latrobe Valley power line which supplies more than 75 percent of Melbourne's power. While emergency response teams have minimized the human cost of the recent heat wave and resulting brushfires, the Victorian government has lost significant political capital as shortcomings in Victoria's already burdened public transport system have become evident. Improving Melbourne's aging mass transit system is increasingly becoming a political imperative and may figure prominently in the MELBOURNE 00000017 002 OF 002 state elections scheduled for next year. THURSTON