Toowoomba chemical spill: Exclusion zone in place, scientists called near busy shopping centre

Emergency services have set up an exclusion zone outside a busy Toowoomba shopping centre, following reports of a chemical spill. Here’s what we know so far.

Emergency service established an exclusion zone after a chemical spill near the Range Shopping Centre, in East Toowoomba. Photo: Michael Nolan.

An exclusion zone is in place after a chemical spill near the Range Shopping Centre, in East Toowoomba.

The Queensland Fire Department scientific team has been called in, along with support from the Toowoomba Regional Council.

A QFD spokesman said the spill was on the road, near the intersection of Bourke Street and James Street.

The spill occurred shortly after 2pm on Friday.

The area is closed to traffic.

QFD Inspector Chris Martial said it was likely that an amount of Round Up, or some other herbicide, tipped over in a ute earlier in the days, and poured on the ground.

He added that the rain had diluted the chemical, reducing the risk to the public.

“We have kept the shopping centre open,” he said.