Barriers and signs have been put up to prevent people from entering areas that still need to be cleaned up due to asbestos contamination. Transport for NSW has only completed the remediation of one site in Telopea along the Parramatta Light Rail line. Other affected sites near new Sydney metro stations like Dulwich Hill, Canterbury, and Campsie are still fenced off, although most are inaccessible to the public. Plans are also in place to remediate sites like the Nowra Bridge Upgrade, Prospect Highway, and Wiley Park.
Penrith City Council is working on a strategy with a contractor to remove contaminated mulch in Regatta Park, Emu Plains. The mulch is located within a fenced-off area near the cricket oval, which is still under construction as part of the second stage of the Regatta Park Upgrade. Two affected locations in the Inner West Council area – a garden bed in Rozelle and the WestConnex Site Office in St Peters – have been remediated. The Environment Protection Authority has confirmed that Rozelle Parklands and all schools, hospitals, and healthcare facilities with asbestos-contaminated mulch have been cleaned up and reopened.
According to a spokesperson for the Environment Protection Authority, additional support is being provided to residential and not-for-profit landowners affected by asbestos contamination. Inspections will be carried out at these sites in the coming weeks to ensure that clean-up efforts are either completed or underway. The EPA will work with landowners to establish a reasonable timeframe for completing the clean-up. If landowners fail to act promptly, the EPA may consider taking regulatory action to address the issue.
As the clean-up efforts continue, it is important for authorities to ensure that all affected areas are properly remediated to protect public health and safety. The presence of asbestos contamination poses significant risks, and it is crucial that all contaminated sites are effectively addressed to prevent any further exposure or harm. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, councils, contractors, and landowners are essential to successfully remediate all affected areas and mitigate the potential dangers posed by asbestos contamination.
Community awareness and engagement are also critical in addressing asbestos contamination and promoting transparency and accountability in the clean-up process. It is important for residents to stay informed about the remediation efforts taking place in their local areas and to follow any safety precautions or guidelines provided by authorities. By working together and staying vigilant, communities can help ensure that all contaminated sites are properly cleaned up and that potential health risks are minimized. The ongoing efforts to address asbestos contamination serve as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to protect public health and safety.
