The City of Melbourne has advised it is likely to take more than 48 hours for the NEO 200 Apartments building on Spencer Street, Melbourne to be declared safe to occupy due to the extent of damage to the building’s essential safety measures.
The City of Melbourne’s Municipal Building Surveyor issued an emergency order at around 1:45pm yesterday as a first response after investigations found the fire had impacted the building’s ‘essential safety measures’.
The Emergency Order currently in place can be extended.
The Emergency Order states that the fire resulted in the Essential Safety Measures being adversely impacted such that their successful operation and effectiveness have been compromised, including the air handling (smoke control) system, smoke detection and occupant warning system, the Fire Indicator Panel and isolation of the sprinkler system on various levels in the building.
The City of Melbourne’s Municipal Building Surveyor is assisting the building manager and body corporate (on behalf of the owners) to reinstate essential safety measures. Until this work is completed residents are unable to return to the building.
The fire originated on the 22nd floor and spread to the 27th floor. Early investigations indicate that the apartments on these floors have been significantly affected by fire and water damage, as well as floors above and below. It is likely that residents of these apartments will not be able to return to their property for a longer period as extensive rectification works are required.
The City of Melbourne has-reopened the emergency relief centre at Melbourne Town Hall to support people affected by yesterday’s fire. The relief centre will close at 6pm tonight and will re-open at 10am tomorrow.
The City of Melbourne has arranged security on site at the NEO 200 Apartments building and measures were taken to ensure the building was not occupied overnight – in order to comply with the emergency order.
Some residents were allowed to return to the building briefly to collect vital possessions last night and this is likely to continue again today as required.
The City of Melbourne is also working with other agencies to investigate issues of overcrowding in apartment buildings. During inspections following the fire, the Municipal Building Surveyor observed that some apartments had more beds than would otherwise be appropriate.
Personal hardship assistance payments
The Department of Health and Human Services is on-site at the relief centre, providing financial assistance (Personal Hardship Assistance Payments) and extra support to anyone requiring it.
Ambulance Victoria has been on site to ensure residents have access to required medications, and Maternal and Child Health Nurses have also been on site to manage the welfare of young residents.
As of 8pm on Monday 4 February 94 relief payments (Personal Hardship Assistance Payments) have been made to affected residents. If residents want to speak with a departmental representative about financial assistance and support services available they are urged to attend the relief centre at the Melbourne Town Hall.
