Update as of Monday 15 April 2024
Late Friday afternoon, Council was issued a certificate of clearance by the qualified hygienist which was provided to the EPA.
Fitzgerald Square Reserve has since been removed from the list of suspected asbestos contaminated sites published online by the EPA.
We will continue to work closely with the EPA as it continues to closely monitor this issue across Victoria.
We will continue to monitor and inspect our parks and reserves, and act quickly to ensure community safety if any contaminated material is found.
Background
Last week the EPA advised that it had taken samples from Fitzgerald Square Reserve in Sunshine West for testing.
Late on Thursday 11 April, the EPA confirmed that one of the eight samples taken has returned a positive result for Asbestos Containing Materials. The one sample that tested positive, whilst small, is too large in size to have been part of the mulch product.
The other samples did not contain asbestos.
It appears that this is an isolated incident with no other contaminated materials found in the area by either the EPA or Council.
Community safety is our priority and Council has worked with the EPA to comply with their requirements, including fencing off a small section of the reserve where the material was found.
A qualified hygienist has now inspected the entire park, and certified that it is clear of asbestos and safe to use.
Council will continue to monitor and inspect its parks and reserves, and act quickly to ensure public safety if any contaminated material is found.