Minister for Community Services Linda Burney HAS thanked Community Services staff and volunteers for their efforts to evacuate residents in Lithgow to a safe and secure place following a chemical leak last Thursday.
A canister at the Inch Street recycling facility in Lithgow was punctured and released an unknown gas in the middle of the afternoon.
Ms Linda Burney said Community Services staff and volunteers from the Red Cross and ADRA opened an evacuation centre at the Lithgow Workers Club.
“An exclusion zone was established and 210 people attended the evacuation centre.
“The evacuees were provided with an evening meal, blankets and personal care packs,” she said.
“At around 10 pm the area was declared safe after testing of the gas proved it was an inert hydrocarbon mixture that was not a risk to the public and residents were told they could leave the centre.
“The centre was closed at 10.30 pm.”
Ms Burney said Community Services is responsible for providing ongoing support and information for families affected by such emergencies.
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