Residents in fire fallout zone outraged by clean-up deed

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Residents in the fallout zone of the Wickham wool sheds fire have been left outraged, after being forced to sign a document which absolves government agencies of liability in the clean-up. 

The Deed of Access and Release is required to be signed, before government agencies can start to clean a contaminated property. 

The letter was drafted by the NSW Public Works Advisory and sent in an Environment Protection Authority or given in person to residents who reported asbestos.

But residents are concerned, the State Government is protecting itself, ahead of the community. 

Kath Fielden, a Maryville resident and lawyer, says it's not the reassurance residents want and need.

"It's not really a deed. It's undated," Ms Fielden said.

"The name of the other party that we're supposed to be releasing is not identified, and it basically sort of says that we agree that if any contractors come into our house, that we release them from any and all from now until the end of time."

"It's indefinite, it could go forever, it could be the Government of Ukraine, the scope of works is not clarified.

"Obviously they're trying hard and they're trying to resolve this and they're trying to do something as quickly as they can, but it's just concerning at the moment."

More than 300 reports of asbestos contamination have now been filed by residents.

The letter's raised concern, tenants and property owners could potentially be living with the dangerous material if clean-up goes awry.

But Ms Fielden says the document is probably meaningless.

"I'm not worried about signing it, because it's completely unenforceable," Ms Fielden said.

"But I think also, having that as the first interaction we've had, when people have been ringing, registering pieces of asbestos, asking for specific advice about washing machines, do our cars need to be written off, all of those questions.

"We're not getting answers, we just get this weird, really dodgy, really amateur letter."

A second public meeting is scheduled at the Gallipoli Legion Club in Hamilton at 6pm on Friday evening.

Image credit: NSW Environment Protection Authority

Asbestos concerns spread further into Newcastle's western suburbs after woolshed fire

BY DAKOTA TAIT

There's concern asbestos contamination has spread into Newcastle's western suburbs, after the devastating Wickham wool sheds fire on Tuesday.

It's understood the ceilings of the burning buildings were made of Super Six.

Residents as far away as Waratah have reported asbestos debris, in addition to reports in backyards and on roofs in Wickham, Islington, Maryville, and Georgetown.

The Environment Protection Authority is urging residents not to touch suspected asbestos and to report it immediately to the agency at 131 555.

Demolition of the remaining wool shed structure is expected to begin on Friday. 

Image credit: Newcastle City Police District

Wickham Residents Meet Over Asbestos Contamination Fears

 BY IAN CROUCH

Wickham residents have gathered for a public meeting overnight amid growing concerns about asbestos fallout from the devastating warehouse fire on Tuesday.

They've been told to report asbestos finds on their properties to the EPA on 131 555, so the spread across the area can be mapped.

Air monitoring so far has come back clear, however residents have been told to wet down asbestos particles in their yards with water using an atomizer spray.

A major clean up operation is expected to start soon, with contractors using special vacuum equipment to clean up streets, parks and private properties.

Islington Public School is closed today (Thursday), however students will be welcome to attend at Tighes Hill Public.

It's understood heavy equipment is being brought in today to begin demolishing the unstable walls of the burnt out buildings.

However, this work will dependent on favourable weather. 

Superintendent Wayne Humphrey addresses residents and business owners at Wednesday night's public meeting at Goodlife Church Picture: Tim Crackanthorp MP

Asbestos Discovered at Glendale Technology High School Yet to be Cleaned Up 14 Months After Discovery

BY LAURA RUMBEL 

Questions are being raised as to why asbestos has not been cleaned up at Glendale Technology High School, 14 months after being discovered. 

On February 28 2020, in-ground asbestos material was discovered in the school's basketball courts and retaining walls. 

The area was immediately restricted and secured from students and staff.

The School's P&C and Department of Education Asset Management Unit have reportedly both raised concerns about the ongoing degradation of the asbestos.

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery says the closure of the school's basketball courts has notably reduced the available outdoor sport and recreation areas for more than 850 students. 

"I just wonder why given this is such a huge safety issue and a promise by the Education Minister that this would be fixed by the end of last year that we're still waiting after 14 months for the removal of dangerous asbestos at a local high school," Ms Hornery said. 

In a statement the Department of Education said wellbeing and safety is of the highest priority and the management of asbestos is always taken seriously.

"When the asbestos was found, the Department took immediate action to protect public health, including isolating the area, making it safe and implementing air monitoring."

"In line with an independent hygienist’s recommendations, all exposed ACM fragments at the site were removed. The area has remained enclosed with fencing and access restricted, and will remain so until the area is remediated."

"An engineer was engaged to determine a method of encapsulation and the independent hygienist has provided a report to support the remediation strategy of encapsulating the walls with a method called shotcrete."

"Until the encapsulation works are undertaken the two basketball courts remain inaccessible."

All Known Asbestos To Go From Newcastle East Public School By End Of Year

BY IAN CROUCH

Asbestos contamination at the historic Newcastle East Public School will be a thing of the past by the end of the year.

Concerns were raised by parents and teachers on the first day of Term 1 this year after friable asbestos was found in the school's heritage buildings during renovations over the summer holidays.

The state government has spent $1.4 million up until March 25 on asbestos removal and a further $150,000 on replacing potentially contaminated library books and sports equipment.

Newcastle Mp Tim Crackanthorp says the Education Department has confirmed all known asbestos will be removed by the end of 2020, while artificial turf will be laid on already-encapsulated asbestos in the school playground.

Newcastle East Public School

Investigation Launched Into Large Amount Of Asbestos Dumped At Morisset

BY IAN CROUCH

Authorities are asking for help from the public to track down those responsible for dumping a large amount of asbestos-contaminated building waste at Morisset.

The asbestos was found in about 10 tonnes of waste which was dumped on a local street sometime between 10.00pm on Wednesday and 4.30 yesterday morning.

It's believed the demolition waste came from a fire-damaged property in Newcastle or the Central Coast.

The Regional Illegal Dumping Squad have taken photos of the waste in the hope someone will be able to identify where it's come from.

Free Asbestos Testing Deadline Extended

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The NSW Government has extended the registration period for free testing for loose-fill asbestos in Hunter homes until August 31st 2018. 

Homeowners in the Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie Council areas whose property was built prior to 1980 are being encouraged to sign up for the testing.

The Voluntary Purchase and Demolition Program was opened on July 2nd, and as 2NURFM reported yesterday, concerns were expressed by the community and Labor MP Yasmin Catley that residents hadn't received enough time to register over the busy school holiday period.

In response, Minister for Better Regulation, Matt Kean agreed he wants to ensure Greater Newcastle dwellers are engaging with the scheme, citing a 'better safe than sorry' attitude.

Loose-fill asbestos is raw crushed asbestos which was installed as ceiling insulation in an unknown number of pre-1980s homes across the state.

Over time, hazardous airborne fibres can move from the ceiling into living spaces.

This dangerous product was discovered in a home at Glendale last month.

Earlier experience in both NSW and the ACT has demonstrated that simply removing the product from a ceiling cavity doesn't eliminate the enduring hazard.

If you'd like to have your home tested, go to the Fair Trading website or call them on 13 32 20.

Alternatively, you can call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Labor Calls For Free Hunter Asbestos Testing To Be Extended

BY HOLLIE HUGHES

With only five days left to register, the state opposition is calling on the New South Wales government to extend the deadline Hunter residents have to sign-up for free home asbestos testing.

The scheme was rolled out earlier this month in response to the discovery of the dangerous loose-fill product at a home in Glendale.

Residents of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland and Port Stephens who live in homes built prior to 1980 are eligible to register for the free test currently closing on July 31.

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley says the registration time frame must be extended to enable as many Hunter home owners to register as possible.

"The main goal here is to find out whether there are any more homes in the Hunter with loose-filled asbestos," she said.

"Hunter residents were only made aware of the potential presence of this dangerous product a few weeks ago and since then we have had the July school holidays where many residents have gone away."

Additionally, Ms Catley fears there are more homes within the Hunter which may be contaminated with the deadly substance.

"We are talking about people's lives here, there could be many more homes throughout New South Wales which have Mr Fluffy products in them."

"People need to the have the confidence that there own home is safe."

For more information on the program or to register for the free test, residents should visit the New South Wales Fair Trading or The City of Newcastle Council websites.

 

Image sourced: https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=nsw+fair+trading+logo&FORM=HDRSC2

 

 

 

 

Dodgy asbestos remover at large in the Hunter

BY GRACE LANCASTER

SafeWork New South Wales is issuing a warning to Hunter residents to avoid unlicensed asbestos removalists operating in the region.

The warning comes after reports an unlicensed trader is targeting Newcastle and the Hunter Valley for quick and cheap asbestos removal for cash.

Authorities are threatening fines of up to $3600 for unlicensed individuals and $18,000 for businesses found removing asbestos.

Minister for Better Regulation, Matt Kean, is sending a strong warning against this unlicensed trade.

"You can't mess around with asbestos. We want to make sure people are safe out there across New South Wales...(so) make sure that you are using an appropriately qualified asbestos removal expert."

You can check the qualifications of licensed professional here: http://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/information-searches/asbestos-and-demolition-licence-holders 

Image: SafeWork New South Wales