Revealed: How devastating Tathra bushfire started
An initial report on what caused the Tathra fires in New South Wales has blamed powerlines for the devastating blaze that destroyed 65 homes.
While the investigation has only just begun, the finding that electrical infrastructure was the likely cause came as little surprise to many.
The response from unions was swift, blaming maintenance cutbacks for contributing to the problem.
"Lack of funding and reduction in maintenance has led to those bushfires occurring," Electrical Trades Union spokesman Justin Page said.
Unions say the state government, Energy Regulator and supplier Essential Energy are to blame for budget cuts on maintenance programs to clear bush around poles and wires.
"We keep raising this as an issue of concern - we don't want this to continue to happen to rural communities," Mr Page said.
The union says Essential Energy has savaged spending by $251 million in five years, while boosting profits to $750 million - an allegation the company flatly denies.
"The network responded exactly as it should have, and all of our maintenance, vegetation maintenance and network maintenance, was up to date," Essential Energy CEO John Cleland said.
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The Premier says it's too early for accusations.
"I think that's very disappointing, because the experts are still determining all the aspects of the fire," Gladys Berejiklian said.
If the inquiry and final report do conclude that poles and wires maintenance was at the heart of the Tathra disaster, a class action against Essential Energy and the regulator could be launched.
The inquiry will be months from completion.
