Southern Grampians Shire Council has welcomed the news surrounding the safety and sustainability of Penshurst’s town water supply following the release of a Long Term Audit report into the town’s Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC).
The Long Term Audit (LTA) report, conducted by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was the second major assessment completed by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) as part of a Clean Up Notice issued for the Penshurst facility in September 2015. The first major assessment, a short term audit was completed by the CFA in December 2015.
The objectives of the LTA were to determine if there were significant environmental risks posed by contaminated soil, groundwater and surface water due to historic firefighting training activities at the site and to assess impacts to relevant beneficial users on and off site.
Southern Grampians Shire Mayor Mary-Ann Brown said the report should help to ease concerns of residents and visitors of Penshurst.
“From a community perspective, it is extremely pleasing that the investigations undertaken have shown a low risk of impact on Penshurst’s town water supply or the Everflowing Spring,” Cr Brown said.
“Penshurst has an enviable reputation as having a safe, reliable and sustainable water supply, even in drought conditions, and this report has confirmed this reputation will remain.”
“We acknowledge the work undertaken by the CFA in timely completion of the required major assessment items and subsequently the high level of targeted engagement with affected Penshurst community members.”
Southern Grampians Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Michael Tudball said Council and community would continue to work closely with the CFA as it worked to minimise impacts off site.
“While significant work has already been undertaken by the CFA, this report highlights areas that require follow up action and clearly outlines a long-term water testing regime,” Mr Tudball said.
“We will ensure any required permits or support is made available to the CFA in a timely manner and on behalf of the community, we will be holding the relevant agencies to account in regards to future works, further monitoring and testing."
“Council will ensure that appropriate and timely information is forthcoming to the community and support them in any way possible.”
Wannon Water Managing Director Andrew Jeffers said the report supports the water corporation’s ongoing reassurance of the safety of Penshurst’s town water.
“Our comprehensive water testing regime has consistently confirmed that Penshurst’s treated water remains safe and our customers can continue to be absolutely confident about the water we provide them.
A full copy of the EPA’s Long Term Audit report into the Penshurst VEMTC can be found at www.epa.vic.gov.au
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