The fire in the Morwell open cut mine adjacent to the Hazelwood power station blanketed Morwell and the surrounding area in smoke and ash for six weeks in February and March 2014. In response to community concerns about the long-term health effects, the Victorian Department of Health commissioned the Hazelwood Health Study.

The video below provides a short overview of the study by one of the original Principal Investigators, Professor Judi Walker. The video was prepared in early 2016 and outlines the work undertaken leading up to that point.

The Hazelwood Health Study aimed to identify potential health outcomes for people who were exposed to the smoke from the mine fire. This included heart and lung disease, cancer, and mental health problems. The study also looked at the effects on vulnerable groups such as infants and children, young people, and older people. The study aims were based upon the community consultations which took place in May 2014.

A series of research streams were established in order to address each of the key research questions. An overview of the streams is available here and the locations that each covered is summarised here. A large team of researchers were assembled to undertake each of the research streams. Details of the different partner organisations are provided here.

Given that the study was in response to community concerns, it was critical that there was strong engagement with the community and key stakeholders. A governance structure was established which ensured that community input was incorporated into the study’s operations at all levels.