Security boost for dump site
SECURITY will carry out around-the-clock patrols of a major fire hazard in Geelong’s north in an effort to prevent a potentially catastrophic blaze.
A range of proactive measures are being developed to manage the dormant C & D Recycling facility, which has been labelled one of the state’s most high-risk sites.
As the Country Fire Authority prepares for a longer and more severe fire season, authorities are seeking to allay pub- lic fears about work to safeguard the Broderick Rd, Lara complex.
A multi-agency taskforce, involving the Geelong council, police, CFA, EPA and WorkSafe, has developed emergency response plans for the highrisk facility.
Representatives from several of those organisations are hosting a community meeting to discuss concerns about the site at Beckley Park on October 29.
“(People) are encouraged to come along to the information session and hear about what has been done to prevent a fire event and what to do should a fire occur,” council chief executive Martin Cutter said.
“The community can feel confident that the fire risk at the Broderick Rd site is being managed as thoroughly as possible.”
Fire experts have previously estimated an out-of-control blaze would burn for up to a month, forcing homes and businesses to be evacuated and causing widespread contamination.
The site has accumulated towering stockpiles of com- bustible material over several years.
It is estimated that more than 350,000 cubic metres of debris, mostly from construction and demolition jobs, is spread across the complex.
Site owner The Australian Sawmilling Company (TASCO) is required to implement a range of fire prevention measures.
These include: HAVING fire-trained security personnel on site at all times, to discourage arson and minimise the risk of an outbreak; LARGE items, such as tyres, around the outside of the site will be removed before the fire season; BUILDING new internal roads to give emergency vehicles better access to the site; and HAVING a water cannon and big water tanks on site to provide sufficient water in the event of a fire.
Security was not on site yesterday when the Geelong Advertiser visited the site.
A rehabilitation plan is also being crafted to begin reducing the massive mounds of waste. Authorities have sampled the stockpiles and found sizeable amounts of recycled timber that can be sold or repurposed. That will help reduce any clean-up costs, which have previously been estimated to cost up to $99 million.
The council is proceeding with legal action against C & D Recycling — which is now insolvent — and operator David McAuliffe. The action relates to an alleged disregard for VCAT orders, including fire compliance measures.
The case is listed to be heard in the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on November 14.