Department of Environment and Science flags safety blitz after metal recycling fires at Molendinar and across southeast Queensland
The state government will take action after a fierce recycling facility blaze blackened the sky over the Gold Coast and caused at least $1 million worth of damage.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The state government will launch a sweeping safety blitz after a fierce recycling facility blaze blackened the sky over the Gold Coast and caused at least $1 million worth of damage.
The fire at Adrian’s Metal Recyclers at Molendinar on July 11 is one of four recent metal recycling business fires in southeast Queensland which prompted the operation.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Superintendent Greg Tomlinson has linked the Gold Coast blaze, attended by about 40 firefighters, to “workmen using power tools” near flammable substances.
Department of Environment and Science compliance officers will target metal recyclers to “reduce fire and environmental risks during an inspection blitz” starting on October 17.
Between June-September, the department responded to the Molendinar fire and blazes at Rocklea in Brisbane’s south, Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast and Brendale in Brisbane’s north.
The blitz will target sites stockpiling combustible recyclable material.
The department’s industry development and southeast compliance acting director Eugene Immisch said waste fires pose a serious risk to people and the environment.
“Waste fires often result in a release of harmful chemicals to the atmosphere and to waterways from the discharge of firefighting water,” he said.
The department worked with QFES and Gold Coast City Council environmental health officers to prevent run-off during the Molendinar fire, a QFES spokesperson said at the time.
Mr Immisch said recyclers were dealing with an increased workload due to devastating flooding across northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland earlier this year.
“Metal recyclers in southeast Queensland have seen an increase in waste at their sites resulting from the floods in February and March, which means they are managing more combustible material than usual,” he said.
“Compliance officers will be targeting these sites to ensure the operators not only adhering to legislation and are following the guidelines, but are working towards best practice for the safety of their staff, the community and the environment.”
The department urged anyone worried about a poorly performing or unlicensed waste facility – including industry whistleblowers – to phone on 1300 130 372.
More Coverage
Originally published as Department of Environment and Science flags safety blitz after metal recycling fires at Molendinar and across southeast Queensland
Boy’s plea for Lambo Guy to make his 7th birthday one to remember
Coen Wylie was only six months old when a surgeon cut too far into his motor cortex, leaving him permanently disabled. Now his one birthday wish is to ride in a Lamborghini
Should the Gold Coast get a Bondi Icebergs-style pool?
Bondi-style saltwater ocean pools on the Gold Coast’s world-famous beachfronts will add a whole new dimension to the city’s appeal, says a new proponent with a surf life saving resume.