A rocky start for ECU's new campus! Just three days into the first semester, Edith Cowan University's $853 million Perth CBD campus had to be evacuated due to a mysterious gas leak. But here's where it gets controversial...
On Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of students, teachers, and security personnel flooded the streets, unsure of what was happening. Some reported smelling paint fumes, while others thought it was a drill. The emergency alarm on level four was triggered, and the campus was evacuated as a precaution, according to the university's statement.
"ECU is continuing its investigation into how the alarm was sounded," the statement read, "but can confirm that there were no injuries reported, and all students and staff were evacuated safely."
This incident is just one of a series of teething problems for the new campus. Asbestos was found in the fire doors, and there have been reports of people getting stuck in the lifts. These issues have caused concern and raised questions about the safety protocols and construction processes in place.
Three years after construction began, ECU relocated to Yagan Square, right in the heart of the city's entertainment and hospitality district. With approximately 8,500 students and staff based at the campus during semester one, these problems have certainly impacted a large community.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Braden Hill confirmed in an email that a group of students from WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) had a distressing experience when they got trapped in a lift on Monday evening. Emergency services were called, and the students were safely assisted out.
"We can confirm no one was injured, but this was understandably distressing," Professor Hill said.
The lift has since been taken offline for inspection and testing.
Late last year, asbestos was discovered in 14 of the building's fire doors, which were imported from overseas. The building received an exemption from work health and safety regulations to open, and ECU stated that they were assured by the builder, Multiplex, that the asbestos posed no risk.
These incidents have sparked debate and raised eyebrows. What do you think? Are these teething problems to be expected with a new campus, or do they indicate deeper issues? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
