The Victorian government has claimed cladding around the MCG poses a low fire risk, despite major fireworks being called off due to safety concerns.
The popular fireworks display, planned for Wednesday night’s AFL season-opener, was cancelled at the last minute this week after Fire Rescue Victoria raised concerns about the potential risk.
The emergency service reportedly raised the alarm over the flammable cladding that currently covers part of the stadium’s northern stand.
But the government’s planning minister, Richard Wynne, on Friday said there was currently a low risk and fire safety measures were in place.
“There is a small amount of low risk cladding that remains on the northern stand which was deemed of low risk by fire engineers,” Mr Wynne said.
“We can be absolutely sure the facility is safe.”
The risk was on Friday described as 3500 square metres of dangerous flammable cladding.
Two insiders connected to FRV reportedly said there were serious concerns the cladding could catch fire.
They said FRV approved the fireworks going ahead if there were fire trucks stationed around the stadium, but the Melbourne Cricket Club, which operates the MCG, rejected this option.
Fire Rescue Victoria sent a letter to the MCC outlining its concerns on Wednesday morning and a spokesperson confirmed safety concerns were raised.
Mr Wynne on Friday said virtually all of the highly dangerous flammable cladding at the stadium had been removed, and what was left behind was not considered dangerous.
Jonathon Barnett, a technical expert in fire safety engineering, told the ABC he believed it was very low risk.
It’s understood the building appeals board is currently examining the risk and will issue a determination on whether the cladding can remain.
“You need to have a significant fire to ignite this cladding,” Mr Barnett said.
“I don’t think it’s a risk; the cladding is outside the building, the fireworks were inside the centre of the stadium.
“I’ve been told itxjmtzyw’s a standard product, it’s up very high, it’s not near ignition sources and so it’s very low risk.”
“It’s better to not have any combustible cladding, but if we have some, we have to look and see is it a problem or isn’t it?
“And it doesn’t sound like what we’ve got on the G is a problem.”
