WARRNAMBOOL's Supreme Court will be broadcast live on the internet next week for the opening addresses of a class action seeking compensation for losses in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires at Pomborneit.
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At least 30 claimants are expected to join farmer Terry Place, whose property received significant damage.
His estimated claim is for more than $350,000 in damages against electricity supplier Powercor.
Mr Place was also captain of the local fire brigade.
More than 1000 hectares was burnt by the fire, which allegedly started about 1.15pm when live conductors on powerlines near the Weerite overpass discharged an arc, from which sparks were blown onto the verge of the Princes Highway.
From there the fire spread to dry grass on nearby farms on the southern side of the highway.
It took almost four hours to bring under control.
The trial before Justice Jack Forrest, which starts at 1pm Monday, is open to the public .
Closing addresses will also be web streamed.
Warrnambool legal firm Maddens Lawyers is representing the plaintiffs, led by experienced barrister Tim Tobin SC .
Powercor has hired David Curtain QC as its lead barrister, instructed by Melbourne law firm Wotton and Kearney.
It is the third class action arising from the 2009 bushfires to go to trial.
Maddens has already handled compensation claims for Black Saturday fires at Horsham, Coleraine and Beechworth.
The addresses can be seen on the Supreme Court of Victoria website under the home, library, actions, video links.
pcollins@standard.fairfax.com.au