Safety risk: waste facilities not prepared to battle fire outbreaks at Victorian centres

FIRE outbreaks at Victorian waste centres will be difficult to battle with operators poorly prepared in case of an emergency, according to a damning new report that hopes to prevent a repeat of the devastating Coolaroo plant fire.

FIRE outbreaks at Victorian waste centres will be difficult to battle with operators poorly prepared in case of an emergency, according to a damning new report.

Up to 73 of the 500 recycling centres and tips across the state have been inspected in recent months and alarmingly, most lacked the planning and resources to deal with a fire event.

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The warning comes following a raging inferno at the Coolaroo recycling plant fire in July, which burned for 20 days.

The unprecedented disaster impacted hundreds of residents and poured toxic smoke on surrounding suburbs, prompting the creation of the Resource Recovery Facilities Audit Taskforce.

So far, authorities have made 88 visits resulting in 37 statuary notices.

Chaired by the Environmental Protection Agency, an interim report handed to the Andrews Government has made several recommendations to help rectify the risk.

However, a summary document of the taskforce’s investigations will be publicly released until next week.

The raging inferno at the Coolaroo recycling plant fire in July. Picture: Seven News

Firefighters fight the Coolaroo recycling plant fire. Picture: David Crosling

“While some operators are considered to be at best practice, the audit program identified that the resource recovery sector is generally poorly prepared and ill-equipped when it comes to managing fire risks at their facilities,’’ said a post on the EPA website.

“A wide range of issues were identified at most inspected sites, ranging from minor housekeeping matters to major failings resulting in significant ongoing risk which are now subject to regulatory action.”

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio welcomed the update and said the government was working toward helping the facilities improve fire risks.

“This is about improving safety measures and helping to prevent a fire from happening in the first place,” she said.

Premier Daniel Andrews talks with firefighters at the Coolaroo fire. Picture: David Crosling

“The taskforce is auditing recycling facilities across the state to identify and prioritise sites that require action to better protect the community.”

“The Government will carefully consider all of the recommendations in the report and respond in due course.”

Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino also backed cleaning up the industry.

“The Taskforce has set out a range of recommendations to reduce the risk of damaging fires and lift standards to better protect locals and the safety of our first responders.”

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