The Country Fire Authority says it is satisfied with the actions of members in an on-call tanker that exited the Easter Gala Parade last month, but has not determined whether its vehicles will continue to be involved in the event.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The organisation conducted a review of the incident after the City of Greater Bendigo raised concerns with the speed at which the truck exited the parade to attend a nearby fire.
Witnesses described seeing the tanker increase its speed on Pall Mall and Bridge Street, while marshals and security herded people back. The truck passed within several metres of children who were lining the streets at the time.
A CFA spokesperson said: “CFA has concluded a review of its involvement with the annual Bendigo Easter Parade and is satisfied our crews operated safely at all times.”
“All our vehicles are operational and thus any event we agree to take part in will include active vehicles.
“CFA is involved in numerous events each year and our involvement in every one of these is on a case by case basis. At this stage no decision has been made about next year’s Easter Parade.”
The CFA previously said a number of factors will be considered as part of the review, including the appropriateness of having on-call tankers involved in parades.
City of Greater Bendigo tourism and major events manager Terry Karamaloudis said the city was willing to work with the CFA to reach an agreeable outcome that allows for trucks to be involved in the parade.
“However, parade participant and spectator safety is paramount and the city needs to be assured that any future participation by the CFA in the parade will respect protocols for safely exiting if required,” Mr Karamaloudis said.
