Locals welcome Vic mine fire research

A 20-year study into the potential health effects of a Victorian coalmine fire addresses a major concern of parents in the region, a community group says.

A team of researchers from Monash University, Federation University and the University of Tasmania will focus on Latrobe Valley communities affected by the Hazelwood blaze in February.

Victorian Health Minister David Davis said on Tuesday the study would investigate the long-term impact of emissions on heart and lung conditions, cancers and mental health, as well as on children and the elderly.

Latrobe Valley Support Network president Simon Ellis says the study is good news, especially for the children in the area.

"That's one of the biggest things we were worried about, our kids," Mr Ellis told AAP.

"In 10 years, 15 years when my daughter turns 20, the last thing I want is for her to come and say, 'Hey daddy, by the way I've got cancer'."

Mr Ellis said he and his seven-year-old daughter had health problems during the fire, but they had cleared.

The coalmine blaze burned for 45 days and dumped toxic ash and smoke over nearby areas.

The Teague inquiry's report found that communities suffered extensive short-term health problems due to the smoke and ash, while the long-term effects were unknown.