'Burning diesel' stink wafts through Kurri Kurri, EPA investigates
Residents noticed a strong odour wafting through the Hunter town on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 8, and into Wednesday, July 9.
Federal member for the Hunter, Dan Repacholi, said he had been contacted by a number of concerned locals about the foul smell.
In an online statement, he said it had reportedly caused breathing difficulties, especially in children.
Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air.
One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell.
Residents all the way in Wallsend, West Wallsend and Booragul also reported a gas-like smell.
While the source of the odour was yet to be determined, Mr Repacholi said he had reached out to the Snowy Hydro Hunter Power Project team at the Kurri gas plant to see if they had any information about the stench.
Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time.
A Snowy Hydro spokesperson had said that as the commissioning process continues throughout this week, emissions would be noticeable, with improvements expected next week.
"We have continuous emissions monitoring on-site, and we are currently operating within environmental compliance limits," they said.
The Newcastle Herald understands that the turbine was being tested on diesel, but once it is fully operational, it will run on gas.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has confirmed it is investigating the incident but has not yet determined if the smell was linked to the gas plant.
Have you noticed the stink? Contact news@newcastleherald.com.au
A foul, burning diesel-like smell has reportedly settled over Kurri Kurri.
Residents noticed a strong odour wafting through the Hunter town on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 8, and into Wednesday, July 9.
Federal member for the Hunter, Dan Repacholi, said he had been contacted by a number of concerned locals about the foul smell.
In an online statement, he said it had reportedly caused breathing difficulties, especially in children.
Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air.
One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell.
Residents all the way in Wallsend, West Wallsend and Booragul also reported a gas-like smell.
While the source of the odour was yet to be determined, Mr Repacholi said he had reached out to the Snowy Hydro Hunter Power Project team at the Kurri gas plant to see if they had any information about the stench.
Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time.
A Snowy Hydro spokesperson had said that as the commissioning process continues throughout this week, emissions would be noticeable, with improvements expected next week.
"We have continuous emissions monitoring on-site, and we are currently operating within environmental compliance limits," they said.
The Newcastle Herald understands that the turbine was being tested on diesel, but once it is fully operational, it will run on gas.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has confirmed it is investigating the incident but has not yet determined if the smell was linked to the gas plant.
Have you noticed the stink? Contact news@newcastleherald.com.au
A foul, burning diesel-like smell has reportedly settled over Kurri Kurri.
Residents noticed a strong odour wafting through the Hunter town on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 8, and into Wednesday, July 9.
Federal member for the Hunter, Dan Repacholi, said he had been contacted by a number of concerned locals about the foul smell.
In an online statement, he said it had reportedly caused breathing difficulties, especially in children.
Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air.
One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell.
Residents all the way in Wallsend, West Wallsend and Booragul also reported a gas-like smell.
While the source of the odour was yet to be determined, Mr Repacholi said he had reached out to the Snowy Hydro Hunter Power Project team at the Kurri gas plant to see if they had any information about the stench.
Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time.
A Snowy Hydro spokesperson had said that as the commissioning process continues throughout this week, emissions would be noticeable, with improvements expected next week.
"We have continuous emissions monitoring on-site, and we are currently operating within environmental compliance limits," they said.
The Newcastle Herald understands that the turbine was being tested on diesel, but once it is fully operational, it will run on gas.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has confirmed it is investigating the incident but has not yet determined if the smell was linked to the gas plant.
Have you noticed the stink? Contact news@newcastleherald.com.au
A foul, burning diesel-like smell has reportedly settled over Kurri Kurri.
Residents noticed a strong odour wafting through the Hunter town on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 8, and into Wednesday, July 9.
Federal member for the Hunter, Dan Repacholi, said he had been contacted by a number of concerned locals about the foul smell.
In an online statement, he said it had reportedly caused breathing difficulties, especially in children.
Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air.
One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell.
Residents all the way in Wallsend, West Wallsend and Booragul also reported a gas-like smell.
While the source of the odour was yet to be determined, Mr Repacholi said he had reached out to the Snowy Hydro Hunter Power Project team at the Kurri gas plant to see if they had any information about the stench.
Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time.
A Snowy Hydro spokesperson had said that as the commissioning process continues throughout this week, emissions would be noticeable, with improvements expected next week.
"We have continuous emissions monitoring on-site, and we are currently operating within environmental compliance limits," they said.
The Newcastle Herald understands that the turbine was being tested on diesel, but once it is fully operational, it will run on gas.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has confirmed it is investigating the incident but has not yet determined if the smell was linked to the gas plant.
Have you noticed the stink? Contact news@newcastleherald.com.au
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The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Apology for diesel pollution as Kurri power plant fires-up for next round of testing
Snowy Hydro has apologised for allowing diesel fumes to spew across the Lower Hunter communities during the first round of testing of the new $2 billion Hunter Power Project. But it has warned there may be more foul odours to come when it starts testing with gas this week. Residents from Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend said they smelt a strong, burning diesel-like smell on July 8 and 9. Some reported burning eyes and breathing issues. Testing was stopped following the widespread complaints. "We sincerely apologise for not meeting community expectations regarding providing information about the testing more broadly across the region," Snowy Hydro said in a statement. Gas, the 660-megawatt plant's primary fuel, will be used for the next round of testing, which will commence on Monday. Snowy Hydro warned there may be a potential plume and associated noise and odour when the turbine starts up again. "While these impacts will only last a short period and will be dependent on weather conditions at the time of testing, we have also increased the level of air monitoring outside the site boundary," the company said. "The nature of turning on a brand new generator for the first time means there is uncertainty regarding how it will perform as we fine-tune the turbines so they operate efficiently when we switch to full operations." A NSW Environment Protection Authority spokesman said the agency's investigation into the first pollution incident was ongoing. He said the EPA was finalising a review of Snowy Hydro's additional control measures to manage emissions and ensure the community was adequately consulted. "We are pleased Snowy Hydro has committed to increasing the amount of monitoring and has strengthened community engagement," he said. "As part of its Environment Protection Licence for the site, the power station is required to conduct continuous emissions monitoring, including during this commissioning phase, where emissions are usually higher than normal operation." EPA officers will monitor the commissioning work, including conducting odour surveys in the area while the commissioning is undertaken. Once fully tested, the efficiency of the turbines will result in significantly reduced emissions. Testing will be undertaken at night and is expected to take six to eight weeks. Improvements to noticeable emissions and odour are expected each week as the commissioning process progresses. The Hunter Power Project was originally intended to be built in time for the closure of the Liddell coal-fired power station in April 2023. It is expected that the peaking plant will be used for only about 5 per cent of the time once it is fully operational. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Hunter MPs, committed an additional $700 million towards the green hydrogen project on the eve of the 2022 federal election. Labor had hoped to start running the plant on 30 per cent green hydrogen from day one and ramp up to 100 per cent by 2030. While the plant's open-cycle gas turbines have been designed to allow for a 15 per cent hydrogen-gas blend, it quickly became apparent that the green hydrogen dream was technically impossible within the proposed timeframe. Snowy Hydro has apologised for allowing diesel fumes to spew across the Lower Hunter communities during the first round of testing of the new $2 billion Hunter Power Project. But it has warned there may be more foul odours to come when it starts testing with gas this week. Residents from Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend said they smelt a strong, burning diesel-like smell on July 8 and 9. Some reported burning eyes and breathing issues. Testing was stopped following the widespread complaints. "We sincerely apologise for not meeting community expectations regarding providing information about the testing more broadly across the region," Snowy Hydro said in a statement. Gas, the 660-megawatt plant's primary fuel, will be used for the next round of testing, which will commence on Monday. Snowy Hydro warned there may be a potential plume and associated noise and odour when the turbine starts up again. "While these impacts will only last a short period and will be dependent on weather conditions at the time of testing, we have also increased the level of air monitoring outside the site boundary," the company said. "The nature of turning on a brand new generator for the first time means there is uncertainty regarding how it will perform as we fine-tune the turbines so they operate efficiently when we switch to full operations." A NSW Environment Protection Authority spokesman said the agency's investigation into the first pollution incident was ongoing. He said the EPA was finalising a review of Snowy Hydro's additional control measures to manage emissions and ensure the community was adequately consulted. "We are pleased Snowy Hydro has committed to increasing the amount of monitoring and has strengthened community engagement," he said. "As part of its Environment Protection Licence for the site, the power station is required to conduct continuous emissions monitoring, including during this commissioning phase, where emissions are usually higher than normal operation." EPA officers will monitor the commissioning work, including conducting odour surveys in the area while the commissioning is undertaken. Once fully tested, the efficiency of the turbines will result in significantly reduced emissions. Testing will be undertaken at night and is expected to take six to eight weeks. Improvements to noticeable emissions and odour are expected each week as the commissioning process progresses. The Hunter Power Project was originally intended to be built in time for the closure of the Liddell coal-fired power station in April 2023. It is expected that the peaking plant will be used for only about 5 per cent of the time once it is fully operational. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Hunter MPs, committed an additional $700 million towards the green hydrogen project on the eve of the 2022 federal election. Labor had hoped to start running the plant on 30 per cent green hydrogen from day one and ramp up to 100 per cent by 2030. While the plant's open-cycle gas turbines have been designed to allow for a 15 per cent hydrogen-gas blend, it quickly became apparent that the green hydrogen dream was technically impossible within the proposed timeframe. Snowy Hydro has apologised for allowing diesel fumes to spew across the Lower Hunter communities during the first round of testing of the new $2 billion Hunter Power Project. But it has warned there may be more foul odours to come when it starts testing with gas this week. Residents from Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend said they smelt a strong, burning diesel-like smell on July 8 and 9. Some reported burning eyes and breathing issues. Testing was stopped following the widespread complaints. "We sincerely apologise for not meeting community expectations regarding providing information about the testing more broadly across the region," Snowy Hydro said in a statement. Gas, the 660-megawatt plant's primary fuel, will be used for the next round of testing, which will commence on Monday. Snowy Hydro warned there may be a potential plume and associated noise and odour when the turbine starts up again. "While these impacts will only last a short period and will be dependent on weather conditions at the time of testing, we have also increased the level of air monitoring outside the site boundary," the company said. "The nature of turning on a brand new generator for the first time means there is uncertainty regarding how it will perform as we fine-tune the turbines so they operate efficiently when we switch to full operations." A NSW Environment Protection Authority spokesman said the agency's investigation into the first pollution incident was ongoing. He said the EPA was finalising a review of Snowy Hydro's additional control measures to manage emissions and ensure the community was adequately consulted. "We are pleased Snowy Hydro has committed to increasing the amount of monitoring and has strengthened community engagement," he said. "As part of its Environment Protection Licence for the site, the power station is required to conduct continuous emissions monitoring, including during this commissioning phase, where emissions are usually higher than normal operation." EPA officers will monitor the commissioning work, including conducting odour surveys in the area while the commissioning is undertaken. Once fully tested, the efficiency of the turbines will result in significantly reduced emissions. Testing will be undertaken at night and is expected to take six to eight weeks. Improvements to noticeable emissions and odour are expected each week as the commissioning process progresses. The Hunter Power Project was originally intended to be built in time for the closure of the Liddell coal-fired power station in April 2023. It is expected that the peaking plant will be used for only about 5 per cent of the time once it is fully operational. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with Hunter MPs, committed an additional $700 million towards the green hydrogen project on the eve of the 2022 federal election. Labor had hoped to start running the plant on 30 per cent green hydrogen from day one and ramp up to 100 per cent by 2030. While the plant's open-cycle gas turbines have been designed to allow for a 15 per cent hydrogen-gas blend, it quickly became apparent that the green hydrogen dream was technically impossible within the proposed timeframe. Snowy Hydro has apologised for allowing diesel fumes to spew across the Lower Hunter communities during the first round of testing of the new $2 billion Hunter Power Project. But it has warned there may be more foul odours to come when it starts testing with gas this week. Residents from Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend said they smelt a strong, burning diesel-like smell on July 8 and 9. Some reported burning eyes and breathing issues. Testing was stopped following the widespread complaints. "We sincerely apologise for not meeting community expectations regarding providing information about the testing more broadly across the region," Snowy Hydro said in a statement. Gas, the 660-megawatt plant's primary fuel, will be used for the next round of testing, which will commence on Monday. Snowy Hydro warned there may be a potential plume and associated noise and odour when the turbine starts up again. "While these impacts will only last a short period and will be dependent on weather conditions at the time of testing, we have also increased the level of air monitoring outside the site boundary," the company said. "The nature of turning on a brand new generator for the first time means there is uncertainty regarding how it will perform as we fine-tune the turbines so they operate efficiently when we switch to full operations." A NSW Environment Protection Authority spokesman said the agency's investigation into the first pollution incident was ongoing. He said the EPA was finalising a review of Snowy Hydro's additional control measures to manage emissions and ensure the community was adequately consulted. "We are pleased Snowy Hydro has committed to increasing the amount of monitoring and has strengthened community engagement," he said. "As part of its Environment Protection Licence for the site, the power station is required to conduct continuous emissions monitoring, including during this commissioning phase, where emissions are usually higher than normal operation." EPA officers will monitor the commissioning work, including conducting odour surveys in the area while the commissioning is undertaken. Once fully tested, the efficiency of the turbines will result in significantly reduced emissions. Testing will be undertaken at night and is expected to take six to eight weeks. 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ABC News
10-07-2025
- ABC News
Snowy Hydro apologises for burning diesel smell from Kurri Kurri power plant
A controversial Hunter Valley power station has caused a stink in its community, with the operator apologising for a pungent smell of fuel in the air. Snowy Hydro's plant at Kurri Kurri, which has just started its testing phase, is designed to run on gas, but can also be powered by diesel as a backup source. CEO Dennis Barnes said in the past week, testing took place on one of two turbines, which included testing it on diesel. "That caused some emissions and some odour, which we're deeply regretful for," he told ABC Newcastle Breakfast. "We weren't expecting it, and therefore we've stopped [testing]." Witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke coming from the plant, while others more than 30 kilometres away in Newcastle reported the smell. Resident Marlie Forde said when she first noticed the smell, she thought it was a failing electrical appliance in her home. "It was just eye-watering, I've never smelt anything that bad," he said. "Even with all the windows shut, it just made me feel really sick and nauseous." Mr Barnes said the company was working with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in its investigations. "At the plant itself, the emissions were within our environmental limits, but that doesn't make any difference to the local community when they're smelling and seeing smoke," he said. Environmental advocate and former local Greens candidate Janet Murray has campaigned against the plant since it was first announced. "I heard the guy from Snowy Hydro saying that emissions were within their allowable limits," she told ABC Newcastle Mornings. "If that's allowable, that is ridiculous." In a statement, an EPA spokesperson said the plant was required to conduct continuous emissions monitoring, including during any testing in the commissioning phase. "Before commissioning works recommence, we will review Snowy Hydro's updated commissioning plan and discuss additional control measures," the statement read. "Our investigation into the recent emissions and odours is continuing, including checking whether the station's emissions limits have been breached." Ms Murray said communication from Snowy Hydro about the testing has been "woeful". "I have a friend who lives very close to the plant and he was given no advice whatsoever," she said. Mr Barnes conceded the company could have communicated with the wider Hunter region better. "We did do local communications and our near neighbours, but I think we've stuffed up by not going more broadly on social media and on the radio to warn people that we were doing this," he said. He said commissioning phase testing has stopped, but will eventually need to resume. "We'll figure out how we do that without impact between now and when that happens," he said. 'Until we can do that, we won't test it." The plant is designed to bridge electricity supply in times of peak demand, with the former Morrison government commissioning it to cover the gap as coal-fired power stations wind down and more renewable generators are developed.
The Advertiser
09-07-2025
- The Advertiser
First findings released on crash that left Hunter stunt pilot seriously injured
EARLY findings into a Hunter stunt pilot's dramatic crash at an air show in Victoria have found no evidence of pre-flight defects in the plane's flight control system or fuselage. The Newcastle Herald has previously reported Glenn Collins was involved in the crash at Victoria's Avalon Airport during a March air show, suffering serious injuries. His teammates paid tribute to him in the aftermath, saying he was "a father and a friend" who had "thrilled audiences across Australia". Australian Transport Safety Bureau preliminary findings released on Wednesday said the incident occurred during a "triple avalanche manouvre". The plane performed three snap rolls and stabilised before entering the back half of the loop "however, the aircraft's descent rate was unable to be arrested before it collided with terrain". The impact left a 95-metre "scar" along the landscape. The ATSB findings said the training videos showed the manouvre usually began about 200 feet above ground level. "During entry to the triple avalanche, the indicated airspeed was approximately 165 knots and the altitude was 100 feet," the preliminary findings state, citing footage from the cockpit ahead of the crash. "Just before the aircraft reached its peak altitude, the altimeter was showing 700-800 feet. After this point, the altimeter was blocked from the camera's view by the pilot's body position just prior to the collision with terrain." The investigation found Mr Collins had more than 2200 hours of experience in an up-to-date log book. The area where the plane came to rest was a designated pyrotechnics box where there were "many boxes of fuel positioned ... that were planned to be ignited during the 'wall of fire' display later that evening". Pyrotechnicians who came to his aid "reported the pilot was wearing a five-point safety harness". The investigation has examined the wreckage, interviewed the pilot, and examined recordings of practice flights as well as GoPro footage from within the cockpit ahead of the crash. Ongoing investigations will examine components recovered from the aircraft, its maintenance records, the video recordings, the emergency response plan in play and "survivability factors". A final report will be issued at the end of the investigation. "Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken," the regulator said. EARLY findings into a Hunter stunt pilot's dramatic crash at an air show in Victoria have found no evidence of pre-flight defects in the plane's flight control system or fuselage. The Newcastle Herald has previously reported Glenn Collins was involved in the crash at Victoria's Avalon Airport during a March air show, suffering serious injuries. His teammates paid tribute to him in the aftermath, saying he was "a father and a friend" who had "thrilled audiences across Australia". Australian Transport Safety Bureau preliminary findings released on Wednesday said the incident occurred during a "triple avalanche manouvre". The plane performed three snap rolls and stabilised before entering the back half of the loop "however, the aircraft's descent rate was unable to be arrested before it collided with terrain". The impact left a 95-metre "scar" along the landscape. The ATSB findings said the training videos showed the manouvre usually began about 200 feet above ground level. "During entry to the triple avalanche, the indicated airspeed was approximately 165 knots and the altitude was 100 feet," the preliminary findings state, citing footage from the cockpit ahead of the crash. "Just before the aircraft reached its peak altitude, the altimeter was showing 700-800 feet. After this point, the altimeter was blocked from the camera's view by the pilot's body position just prior to the collision with terrain." The investigation found Mr Collins had more than 2200 hours of experience in an up-to-date log book. The area where the plane came to rest was a designated pyrotechnics box where there were "many boxes of fuel positioned ... that were planned to be ignited during the 'wall of fire' display later that evening". Pyrotechnicians who came to his aid "reported the pilot was wearing a five-point safety harness". The investigation has examined the wreckage, interviewed the pilot, and examined recordings of practice flights as well as GoPro footage from within the cockpit ahead of the crash. Ongoing investigations will examine components recovered from the aircraft, its maintenance records, the video recordings, the emergency response plan in play and "survivability factors". A final report will be issued at the end of the investigation. "Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken," the regulator said. EARLY findings into a Hunter stunt pilot's dramatic crash at an air show in Victoria have found no evidence of pre-flight defects in the plane's flight control system or fuselage. The Newcastle Herald has previously reported Glenn Collins was involved in the crash at Victoria's Avalon Airport during a March air show, suffering serious injuries. His teammates paid tribute to him in the aftermath, saying he was "a father and a friend" who had "thrilled audiences across Australia". Australian Transport Safety Bureau preliminary findings released on Wednesday said the incident occurred during a "triple avalanche manouvre". The plane performed three snap rolls and stabilised before entering the back half of the loop "however, the aircraft's descent rate was unable to be arrested before it collided with terrain". The impact left a 95-metre "scar" along the landscape. The ATSB findings said the training videos showed the manouvre usually began about 200 feet above ground level. "During entry to the triple avalanche, the indicated airspeed was approximately 165 knots and the altitude was 100 feet," the preliminary findings state, citing footage from the cockpit ahead of the crash. "Just before the aircraft reached its peak altitude, the altimeter was showing 700-800 feet. After this point, the altimeter was blocked from the camera's view by the pilot's body position just prior to the collision with terrain." The investigation found Mr Collins had more than 2200 hours of experience in an up-to-date log book. The area where the plane came to rest was a designated pyrotechnics box where there were "many boxes of fuel positioned ... that were planned to be ignited during the 'wall of fire' display later that evening". Pyrotechnicians who came to his aid "reported the pilot was wearing a five-point safety harness". The investigation has examined the wreckage, interviewed the pilot, and examined recordings of practice flights as well as GoPro footage from within the cockpit ahead of the crash. Ongoing investigations will examine components recovered from the aircraft, its maintenance records, the video recordings, the emergency response plan in play and "survivability factors". A final report will be issued at the end of the investigation. "Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken," the regulator said. EARLY findings into a Hunter stunt pilot's dramatic crash at an air show in Victoria have found no evidence of pre-flight defects in the plane's flight control system or fuselage. The Newcastle Herald has previously reported Glenn Collins was involved in the crash at Victoria's Avalon Airport during a March air show, suffering serious injuries. His teammates paid tribute to him in the aftermath, saying he was "a father and a friend" who had "thrilled audiences across Australia". Australian Transport Safety Bureau preliminary findings released on Wednesday said the incident occurred during a "triple avalanche manouvre". The plane performed three snap rolls and stabilised before entering the back half of the loop "however, the aircraft's descent rate was unable to be arrested before it collided with terrain". The impact left a 95-metre "scar" along the landscape. The ATSB findings said the training videos showed the manouvre usually began about 200 feet above ground level. "During entry to the triple avalanche, the indicated airspeed was approximately 165 knots and the altitude was 100 feet," the preliminary findings state, citing footage from the cockpit ahead of the crash. "Just before the aircraft reached its peak altitude, the altimeter was showing 700-800 feet. After this point, the altimeter was blocked from the camera's view by the pilot's body position just prior to the collision with terrain." The investigation found Mr Collins had more than 2200 hours of experience in an up-to-date log book. The area where the plane came to rest was a designated pyrotechnics box where there were "many boxes of fuel positioned ... that were planned to be ignited during the 'wall of fire' display later that evening". Pyrotechnicians who came to his aid "reported the pilot was wearing a five-point safety harness". The investigation has examined the wreckage, interviewed the pilot, and examined recordings of practice flights as well as GoPro footage from within the cockpit ahead of the crash. Ongoing investigations will examine components recovered from the aircraft, its maintenance records, the video recordings, the emergency response plan in play and "survivability factors". A final report will be issued at the end of the investigation. "Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken," the regulator said.
