Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Barrels On Beaches picsearch.com Drums of chemicals washed up on beaches across Bass Coast prompted a quick response from the CFA and Bass Coast Shire Council. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 21st May 2009 - Back to News
The drums contained carbon cleaner, a product used to remove carbon build up in engine rooms and industrial kitchens.
Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, confirmed that Council received calls from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to remove drums from beaches near Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson.
"Council staff responded to a call to remove a drum from Wilson Road, between Cape Paterson and Harmer’s Haven, while the CFA responded to a similar incident at the Williamsons Beach car park," explained Mr Bawden.
"At both sites, people were exposed to the chemical. Our staff members who attended the Cape Paterson incident were taken to hospital for a precautionary assessment, after they came into direct contact with the contents and fumes."
Mr Bawden said that the EPA and CFA were the lead agencies in these situations.
"Council staff do not have the training or equipment to deal with hazardous chemicals," explained Mr Bawden.
"This incident today has highlighted some shortcomings in our internal system, as our staff should not have attempted to move the drum at Cape Paterson.
"They should have secured the area and organised for the CFA, who are qualified to deal with these situations, to attend.
"We will certainly be reviewing our processes to ensure any future incidents are handled appropriately. We are very relieved that none of our staff were injured."
Mr Bawden said that Council were assisting with transporting the drums to a secure location.
"We are very concerned with the impact on our environment and local community, so our staff are helping to transport the drums to secure Parks Vic depots," said Mr Bawden.
"This spate of incidents highlights the need to have EPA officers located in regional areas.
"It also highlights how important it is to have a clear process in place which shows which agency is responsible for taking the lead role on these issues."
Mr Bawden said Council’s Emergency Management Coordinator would be talking to other councils to see what processes they had in place for similar situations. The EPA will be conducting an investigation into where the drums came from.
"We have no information on where these drums have come from and I don’t think it is useful to speculate at this stage," Mr Bawden said.
A further drum of chemicals washed up at Smiths Beach this morning. A group of school children at the beach were possibly exposed to the chemicals and were treated on site as a precaution.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Experience the George Bass Coastal Walk with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, scenic views, and coastal adventure
The George Bass Coastal Walk offers dramatic clifftop views, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and nearby cafes, pubs, and rail trails, creating a scenic Gippsland adventure just over 1.5 hours from Melbourne. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029. - Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media. - Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals. - Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening. - Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation. - Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity. - Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - Bass Coast secures long-term protection for distinctive landscapes and Western Port Woodlands
Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes the Bass Coast Statement of Planning Policy, securing long-term protections for 24 townships, distinctive landscapes, and the Western Port Woodlands while guiding sustainable future growth. - Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season
Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment.
|
|
