UPDATE: The local community is pushing for the controversial Fiskville CFA training facility to reopen, despite the state government’s announcement last week the centre would be closed forever.
The level of community support for Fiskville is rapidly growing amid reports that the facility is being permanently closed due to chemical contamination.
Last week, after 550 tests at the site, the Country Fire Authority board unanimously recommended the site close forever.
Results from the tests showed the drinking water and showers were clear of contamination, but high levels of the toxic chemical PFOS were found around the fire training area and in a new zone where the chemicals had previously not been detected.
Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garrett said despite previous clean-ups, Fiskville could “no longer operate safely as a training ground”.
“Our immediate concern is for the people at Fiskville and we are working closely with the CFA and the affected staff to assist them through this difficult change.”
A Facebook group, Proud to Support Fiskville, created by the Ballan fire brigade, has already gained more than 2000 “likes” in about a week. The support has also grown beyond Facebook, with an active Save Fiskville campaign now in motion.
Lieutenant Ian Ireland, of the Ballan brigade, said he was “devastated” at the news of Fiskville’s closure, describing the facility as a major asset to the community and economy, and said CFA firefighters would be at a loss without it. He said the community would continue to push for the facility to reopen.
At a meeting on Friday, Ms Garrett, CFA chief executive officer Michael Wooten, CFA chief officer Euan Ferguson and Emergency Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley addressed the community.
Mr Ireland said the meeting cleared up none of the concerns and it remained unclear what would happen to the 60 employees at Fiskville.
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