Australia Post said it had temporarily suspended delivery rounds to street addresses in the town of Morwell since February 28.

“This decision has been made after careful consideration for the health and wellbeing of our postal delivery officers, which is our primary concern. These are delivery rounds conducted on foot and by motorcycle, and require the postal delivery officer to be outside for periods of up to five hours,” it said

“Australia Post has made this decision only after careful consideration of the situation and apologises for any inconvenience caused.”

The suspension will continue until further notice, Australia Post said.

“We will assess conditions daily with a view to reinstating delivery rounds as soon as possible,” it said.

The Greens have called for the establishment of a judicial inquiry into the Hazelwood mine fire as hundreds of Morwell residents took to the streets over the weekend protesting against the government handling of the situation, which they say is causing to widespread health problems.

The aged and infirm have now been advised by Victorian health authorities to get out of town as the blaze continues for its third week.

Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber said he first called for a partial, medically prioritised evacuation of Morwell on February 17.

“Since then, people have been breathing ash and coughing up muck. The Chief Health Officer has just confirmed this course of action,” he said.

“The Premier should declare a state of emergency for Morwell so that resources are made available and he can cut through the bureaucratic in-fighting.”