The EPA in Victoria has issued two remedial notices to Hobsons Bay City Council due to the discovery of suspected asbestos in several parks. The council has been ordered to have a hygienist inspect all council-managed parks and gardens that received mulch in the past 18 months. Despite the contamination, the level of asbestos found was reported to be very low, with only a few pieces found in multiple parks. Victoria’s chief environmental scientist emphasized that the risk to the public is extremely low, as the asbestos involved is bonded and would only pose a risk if it were broken up into fibres and inhaled. Investigations into mulch producers in Victoria have shown no signs of contamination, unlike a situation in Sydney where multiple sites, including schools, were found to have asbestos-contaminated mulch.
In Sydney, a similar situation involving asbestos-contaminated mulch at 75 sites, including schools, led to the NSW EPA launching its largest-ever investigation and considering stricter laws. However, in Victoria, the EPA expressed confidence that the situation was not as severe as in NSW, as investigations into mulch producers in the state did not reveal any contamination. Asbestos traces were confirmed in mulch at three different locations in Victoria, with the source of contamination believed to be from illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste. The EPA highlighted that the contamination found in these locations was likely due to illegal dumping and not the result of contaminated mulch.
The discovery of asbestos at Donald McLean Reserve in Spotswood, PJ Lynch Reserve in Altona North, and the Merri Creek Parklands in Fawkner prompted actions from the local councils to address the issue. The Merri-bek City Council in Fawkner announced that a section of the Merri Creek trail had been taped off after asbestos was found following heavy rainfall. The council clarified that the discovery was not linked to contaminated mulch but was due to buried asbestos fragments being exposed. Despite these findings, the EPA reassured the public that the risk of harm from asbestos in the air is low, as long as the material remains bonded and is not broken up into fibres that can be inhaled.
The EPA in Victoria continues to investigate the source of asbestos contamination in mulch at various locations and is working with local councils to address the issue promptly. While the discovery of asbestos in public parks and gardens is concerning, the overall risk to public health is deemed to be low by experts. The EPA is taking steps to prevent further contamination and ensure the safety of residents who may come into contact with the affected areas. Investigations into mulch producers in Victoria have so far shown no signs of contamination, providing some assurance that the issue is contained and limited to specific locations where illegal dumping may have occurred. Further updates are expected, and the EPA will continue to monitor the situation closely to protect the community from potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
