GOVERNMENT INACTION IN SAFE ASBESTOS DISPOSAL ENDANGERING COMMUNITIES

In today's world, the majority of people have heard of asbestos and the damaging effects this toxic fibre has on the human body and the environment.?

Yet, a recent Government Forum on the safe disposal of the dangerous fiber has resulted in no clear guidance on how as a country we are going to do better at this - to protect our people, our wildlife and our environment.?

Daily, we are hearing examples of people finding asbestos and wanting to get rid of it. This alone is fantastic as it shows progress in raising awareness of the damage it can cause.

However, the issue is that these people quickly find out their nearest licensed asbestos disposal site is sometimes more than two hours away as we do not have enough of them and they choose to dump it on the side of the road, in forests or even on driveways.?

The potential knock-on effect of this? It can be fatal to our wildlife or cause major health implications to our children? if they were to find it near a playground or their garden.?

Reckless dumping of asbestos is incredibly dangerous and becoming increasingly common as a result of the Government’s inaction to increase the number of regional licensed disposal sites.?

For background, asbestos was a popular building material all the way through till the 80’s, however the implications of this type of material was only realised in the last decade.

One in three homes had asbestos used in some part of the construction prior to 1990. Hence why now the topic of asbestos removal is more prevalent than ever, as these homes are pulled apart and the fiber found.?

We are being called to building sites every second day where it has been found and we consistently find it left onsite. Access to removing it safely needs to be a Government priority and although we have had a roundtable forum - the issue still remains.?

Taking it to landfill is the only solution at present, but it needs to be a licensed facility that undertakes safe protocols.?

Public consultation with councils jumping on board is needed and we urge the government to take this call seriously as the implications are huge and initiatives at both a federal and state level are critical.?

Here at GMA, we offer specialised expertise in asbestos removal and know that this problem isn’t going away anytime soon. Starting this conversation moves us one step closer to the goal of more licensed disposal sites.?

Upgraded infrastructure and incentives for safe asbestos removal is a potential start for the Government - it will help ease the pressures on builders and residents that find asbestos in their homes or on site and create safer and more environmentally-friendly communities.