The leaked emails show that firefighters expressed concerns about a possible “catastrophic” security risk in Marrara Oval ahead of Saturday’s AFL game in Darwin.
Key points:
-
Marrara’s TIO Stadium hosts the main AFL and NRL matches in Darwin
-
Firefighters are concerned about insufficient pressure and water supply at the site
-
The NT Fire and Rescue Service deployed additional resources during Saturday’s AFL game
Thousands attended the match, which saw the Gold Coast Suns defeat the North Melbourne kangaroos.
In the days leading up to the match, a health and safety officer from the NT Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) raised concerns about potentially inappropriate water pressure and volumes at the site, in a leaked media report. .
Subsequently, the Deputy Fire Director (DCFO) approved an “enhanced response” to the AFL game, including the supply of a NTFRS bulk water carrier parked near a booster exit outside the stadium.
On Saturday, a bulk water carrier was installed outside the stadium. (ABC News: Michael Franchi)
However, another firefighter noted that in the event of an emergency, the additional water would run out in 15 minutes or less and therefore an additional water truck would have to be rented.
The request was rejected because the DCFO said the existing contingencies were “more than adequate.”
In response, the firefighter said his team would adopt a “defensive strategy” focused on public evacuations in the event of a fire.
“Public and crew safety will be paramount, as always, but a defensive strategy will only be adopted if a major fire occurs due to such limited water resources,” the firefighter wrote to his supervisor.
“This has been identified as a catastrophic problem and risk that can significantly affect the safety of firefighters with an extremely short notice, so we are asking for additional resources.”
The TIO Stadium, built in 1991, hosts at least one AFL game each season. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
The NT government downplays security concerns
Prior to the game, the ABC asked the NT Police Emergency and Fire Services (PFES) what was being done to alleviate some of the concerns raised by firefighters.
In response, a government spokesman said: “The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) continues to carry out major works to ensure that this public facility always has a high level of security and reliability.”
“These works include repairing stairs, replacing the aging roof structure, improving fire safety services, improving accessibility for the public, including improvements to elevators and fire stairs.” , said the spokesman.
The spokesman said emergency management at the stadium was a matter for AFLNT, but AFLNT told the ABC that the PFES was best placed to answer questions.
Although the TIO Stadium hosts the main AFL and NRL games in Darwin, it has done so without a legally required occupancy certificate since it was built in the 1990s.
Three months ago, NT Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler issued a statement temporarily exempting the stadium from requiring the key security certificate.
That decision prompted independent anti-corruption commissioner Michael Riches to launch an investigation.
The Gold Coast Suns secured a convincing 62-point victory over North Melbourne at the stadium on Saturday. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
“The research I have started follows issues that have brought me to the attention of the installation and its compliance with the Construction Act of 1993, together with the correspondence and information I have received during the last weeks of members of the government and others “. Riches said in March.
At the time, Ms. Lawler said the temporary exemption was designed to give a building certifier time to evaluate the facility and provide the required certificate.
He said the stadium was safe and the government was still working to get the certification.
“The territories have been using and enjoying the TIO stadium [Marrara Stadium] for 30 years, ”he said.
“The absence of an employment permit is a long-standing issue. DIPL is working to correct it.”
Ms. Lawler said the government would cooperate with any ICAC consultation.
Posted 11 hours ago 11 hours ago dig. June 5, 2022 at 2:29 am, updated 10 hours ago dig. June 5, 2022 at 3:47 AM