Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne has written to the NSW Government calling on them to replace the Ashfield-Leichhardt SES Building which is subsiding because of the WestConnex tunnel.
The building has sunk about 10 centimetres which has prevented fire escape doors from shutting, caused broken plumbing pipes, damaged electrical wiring and caused the roof to leak.
“This building was in good condition until the machinery boring the WestConnex tunnel began operating below the building,” Mr Byrne said.
“It’s now become a workplace health and safety issue which is an unacceptable risk for our SES volunteers.”
“The SES do an amazing job protecting our community.”
“It’s shocking that they now need protection themselves from WestConnex destruction.”
He said the kitchen door has had to be adjusted or repaired 10 times, the front door will not lock and a fire escape gate has been adjusted four times.
Most recently a circuit breaker for the SES lights has tripped and will not reset.
The Unit Commander of the Ashfield-Leichhardt SES Mr Peter Kaye has had to take the decision not to use the building, leaving the SES without a base in the area.
“Use of this building has been severely compromised,” Mr Kaye said.
Part of the building is also used as a clubroom by the Leichhardt Wanderers Rugby Union Club.
