Reopen Vic mine fire inquiry: locals

Reopening a coalmine fire inquiry to investigate a potential spike in deaths should be a priority for a new Victorian government, residents say.

Labor has promised to reopen the Hazelwood mine fire inquiry to look at the reported increase in deaths in nearby Morwell after the blaze.

Wendy Farmer, president of local group Voices of the Valley, said residents would hold Labor to account for the promise.

"They're coming out and saying that they will do it, and we will make sure that if they're elected they actually do it," she told AAP.

"It needs to be one of the first things they do, within three months."

An academic analysis showed a high probability the Morwell death rate increased as much as 15 per cent during, and since, the fire at the Hazelwood coal mine in February.

The 45-day blaze blanketed the town in toxic smoke and ash, while residents weren't encouraged to leave until two weeks into the fire.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said investigating the data would give Morwell residents the answers they deserved.

"I know there's a lot of anger in this community and people have every right to be angry and upset," he told reporters.

Independent candidate for Morwell Tracie Lund said she would also campaign for the inquiry to be reopened.

"There's still questions around deaths in Morwell. We know pollution kills," Ms Lund told AAP.

Ms Lund also said she wouldn't allocate preferences on her how-to-vote card, instead requesting voters put her first and then nominate their other preferences themselves.

"I've had conversations with the two major parties, and I'm not convinced that either of them are acting in the best interests of the community," Ms Lund said.

"Eleventh-hour promises don't demonstrate a long-term commitment to this electorate."

Ms Lund said the Latrobe Valley seat could potentially become a three-way contest between herself, Labor and the coalition.

Mr Andrews also promised $3 million to build a new Morwell emergency services hub, and to increase the number of full-time firefighters at the Morwell and Traralgon fire stations.