Regional Victoria’s largest firefighting training ground closed on Monday amid reports chemical residues were detected in large tanks used to store mains water for firefighter training.

On Tuesday, Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett said it would be “surprising” if the training college were reopened.

CFA Fiskville training ground facilities manager Martin Bona said Ballan would lose its largest employer if the training college was closed permanently.

“If Fiskville was to close it would significantly damage the welfare of the Ballan community,” Mr Bona said.

“Eighty per cent of our staff actually live in Ballan.

“We buy our groceries from there, we use the plumber from there.

“If they shut down the college, you take away their wages, then it’s a threat to Ballan.”

He said the CFA had been forthcoming in its identification of the water contamination.

“The closure is basically temporary and based largely on a fact that it is precautionary,” Mr Bona said.

“This is just a glitch and we’ve put our hand up to say there’s something that needs to be checked out here.

“The feeling among staff is that the place is safe and it’s been shut down temporarily and that it remains to continue to be safe.” 

Mr Bona said the training grounds had been an institution in the area since 1972.

Meanwhile, the Ballan Football Club, which used the Fiskville facility during pre-season training, said there were “no concerns” for players and staff. 

President Billy Smith said the Blues had built a great association with those at Fiskville. 

“We think it’s a great asset to have around the community,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s an unreal facility.” 

The club had utilised the gymnasium, golf course and running track during a handful of sessions in the lead-up to the 2015 Central Highlands Football League season.

“We spoke to Fiskville management and there are no concerns,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s precautionary.

“We take our own water bottles anyway.”

Ballan’s Commercial Hotel publican, Jock O’Connor, said the decision to temporarily close the facility was a “kneejerk” reaction.

“There’s a lot of jobs out there,” Mr O’Connor said.

“They’ve got no idea what they’re doing.

“We drink it, everyone else drinks, no one consulted anyone.”

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au

tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au