The clean-up bill for a dangerous recycling stockpile in southwest Victoria is yet to be worked out after the site owner was placed in liquidation.
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The owner of the Lara site near Geelong, The Australian Sawmilling Company (TASCO), entered liquidation on Monday.
It had leased the site to failed C&D Recycling business, which closed mid-2018 when C&D abandoned the site with a large volume of waste.
To prevent a fire risk, the Broderick Road site is being secured with permanent fencing and monitored by round-the-clock security.
Since the site was abandoned, TASCO has spent more than $2 million to address safety risks.
PwC liquidator Stephen Longley said it's working with the City of Greater Geelong, fire services and the environment watchdog, to agree on a framework to make the site safe.
The City of Greater Geelong says fire prevention measures are continuing and community health and safety remain the priority.
"Rehabilitation and future plans for the site will be discussed as a priority between all agencies involved and the liquidator for TASCO," council CEO Martin Cutter said.
"Together with EPA Victoria and other agencies, we are committed to seeking to hold TASCO and its associated entities to account for the clean-up and remediation."
EPA Victoria CEO Dr Cathy Wilkinson said poor management of the site by previous operator, C&D Recycling, exposed locals to unacceptable risk, in the event of fire.
Dr Wilkinson said it's a reminder to landlords to be aware of what's occurring on their sites and that if tenants abandon waste, they may ultimately be responsible for the clean up.
In February, C&D Recycling director, David McAuliffe was jailed for 90 days for breaching fire safety orders at the debris-laden site. McAuliffe was bailed pending an appeal hearing.
Australian Associated Press
