WorkSafe Victoria assumes Footscray West inferno business not registered for chemical use
LOCAL groups fear frog populations in Stony Creek are under threat in the wake of the West Footscray factory inferno, with one councillor calling on the State Government to do more to aid the clean-up.
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THE business at the centre of the West Footscray inferno may not have been registered to hold chemicals, potentially hampering authorities’ ability to prevent and tackle the blaze.
A mix of toxic substances were stored in the factory when it caught fire on August 30, spewing black smoke over the city’s west.
WorkSafe Victoria spokesman Paul Fowler on Thursday night told a community meeting investigators were working on the assumption the business was not registered for chemical use under the Dangerous Goods Act.
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Melbourne Fire Brigade assistant chief fire officer Trent Curtain told the Herald Sun it was difficult for agencies to know how to tackle fires involving chemicals if no registration information was available.
“Without notification it’s hard to understand what chemicals we might be dealing with … to have them on our radar,” he said.
Locals at the meeting questioned whether more could have been done to prevent the incident, given 68 infringement notices had been issued to businesses in the area.
They raised concerns about fumes that lingered in the fire’s aftermath, but were told the chemicals in the air were not at high enough levels to be deemed dangerous
Local councillor Catherine Cummings challenged the state government to provide emergency funds to support the clean-up.
“I’d like to know … if somebody will come in and help our smaller community groups,” she said.
Environment Protection Authority chief environmental scientist Andrea Hingwood said steps were being taken to minimise damage to Stony Creek, after questions were raised about the ongoing effects to wildlife, particularly the creek’s frog population.
An advice message last night remained in place for residents of Braybrook, Brooklyn, Kingsville, Tottenham, West Footscray and Yarraville.
Authorities asked the public to stay away from the immediate fire area and nearby waterways.
Former tenant Chris Randle and his sawmill business was booted from the site six weeks ago
amid accusations of unpaid rent, staff wages and large creditors.
“I’ve got nothing to do with this fire,” he said this week.
“I’m not guilty of anything down there. I’ve done everything correctly.
“All my hard work has gone up in smoke and I’ve got nothing to my name.”