The presence of asbestos at a reserve in Coburg has been confirmed to be localized to the soil only and has not been detected in any materials being brought onto the site. Safety measures are being prioritized for workers and the public, with oversight from industry experts and licensed asbestos removalists. The Environment Protection Authority has been notified and health and safety conditions are being met, with air monitoring conducted to ensure safety. Workers on site are required to wear personal protective equipment, and contaminated soil is sealed, covered, and removed from the site as a priority.
Investigations are ongoing into the source of material containing asbestos found in woodchip mulch at Don McLean Reserve in Spotswood, following the closure of the Coburg playground. Suspicious compound material, insulated wires, bricks, concrete, plywood, and wood with nails were discovered in the mulch at the reserve. Eltham MP Vicki Ward emphasized the seriousness with which the government is taking the issue, with the EPA actively investigating and monitoring the case. It remains unclear whether the asbestos material was dumped into the mulch after it was laid or was present in mulch delivered and laid between 2022 and 2023.
The company responsible for landscaping the new park, CityWide Service Solutions, has been uncooperative in answering questions about the supply chain of the mulch used in surrounding playgrounds. Hobsons Bay council confirmed CityWide as the head contractor for the reserve, subcontracting the landscaping work to an undisclosed party. Inspections are being carried out at other parks where mulch from the same source was used, although specific locations have not been disclosed. The situation has raised concerns about asbestos contamination in public spaces, particularly following similar incidents in NSW where asbestos-contaminated mulch was found at numerous sites including schools.
The government and EPA are taking swift action in response to the asbestos contamination issue, with ongoing investigations into the source of the material found at the reserve in Spotswood. Safety measures are being implemented to protect workers and nearby residents, with air monitoring and the removal of contaminated soil as top priorities. The refusal of the landscaping company to provide information on the mulch supply chain has raised further questions about accountability and transparency in such cases. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are committed to ensuring the safety of the public in light of these potentially hazardous materials being found in public spaces.
Despite ongoing investigations and efforts to address the asbestos contamination issue, concerns remain high about the potential health risks posed by the presence of asbestos in public spaces. The collaboration between government authorities, industry experts, and local councils is crucial in addressing these concerns and ensuring the safety of workers and residents. The need for transparency and accountability in the management of hazardous materials like asbestos is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the situation continues to unfold, it is imperative that all necessary precautions are taken to mitigate the risks associated with asbestos contamination and protect the wellbeing of the community.
