General News
30 September, 2023
Never was any asbestos, government admits after demolition
THERE was no asbestos in the old Inglewood ambulance station, the State Government admitted on Monday afternoon. The backtrack came hours after the building had been demolished with the Government earlier insisting the material had been used in...
THERE was no asbestos in the old Inglewood ambulance station, the State Government admitted on Monday afternoon.
The backtrack came hours after the building had been demolished with the Government earlier insisting the material had been used in construction.
In August, the Government said a report “highlighted ongoing safety issues for paramedics with asbestos found in the building”, at odds with recollections of the community and builders.
But on Monday, that had changed when a spokesperson said: “Routine audits in 2016 and 2022 had indicated that, due to the age and construction of the building, asbestos-containing material may be present in the ceiling, but this area could not be accessed.”
However, an inspection was not made until “prior to demolition” with a laboratory analysis later giving the all-clear.
The spokesperson also claimed Health Minister Thomas earlier this year only said asbestos was suspected *in the building”.
“Following due diligence in preparation for demolition, this was further investigated and it was found that asbestos was not present. That does not change the fact that this building was demolished because it would have limited the functionality of the new station.,” the spokesperson said.
“The building is being demolished because it is no longer fit-for purpose and would limit the functionality of the new Inglewood ambulance station.
“Demolishing the old building means we can provide paramedics with new and improved vehicle access, giving them the modern home base they need and deserve to do what they do best – save lives. The safety of our paramedics and the accessibility to the new fit-for-purpose ambulance station was always paramount - it was never an option to keep the old building.”
A new fence runs the depth of the block between the old and new stations and would need to be removed to access the new station.
A permit for demolition of the building was not issued by Loddon Shire. It is believed Perry Demolitions used a private company to comply with Victorian Building Authority regulations.
Perry Demolitions did not respond to Loddon Herald requests for comment.