Local emergency services took part in extensive counter-terrorism response training at the Ballarat East V/Line Depot.

Mimicking a real life terrorist attack, the depot was the scene of a major hazmat incident, with the counter-terrorism exercise aimed at preparing local emergency services for potential terrorist attacks.

While the exercise wasn't in response to any specific terrorism threats in Victoria, CFA District 8 station officer James Wong said it would better prepare local emergency services for this type of crisis.

"This was simply about being prepared for any emergency, even seemingly standard incidents which have the potential to develop into something more serious," he said.

"This exercise gave the fire-fighters a chance to practice their hazmat and decontamination response which is not the type of incident that occurs very often. 

"An opportunity like today we don't get often, it allows for the integration of emergency services." 

Alongside Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Emergency Management Victoria, the State Government and V/Line, local fire-fighters responded to reports of a chemical smell inside a train carriage as part of the exercise, working together with other emergency services to decontaminate and care for injured passengers. 

With Australia's terrorism alert currently sitting at high, Mr Wong said the exercise provided an opportunity to asses and improve Victoria's plans and emergency response procedures.

"There was a lot to be learnt from the exercise. It highlighted the importance of all agencies working together seamlessly in all environments and all types of emergencies," he said.

"These types of emergencies can have a significant impact on the community so it's important that we consider their needs in terms of preparedness, prevention, response and recovery." 

The exercise was also used to teach crews to learn to deal with providing up-to-date information to the community during a crisis.