The state government has urged homeowners in Queanbeyan to take advantage of free sample testing for the presence of loose-fill asbestos insulation on their properties. Of the 28 identified local government areas in NSW, 16 of those are located in Southern NSW, and Queanbeyan itself has been dubbed an asbestos hot bed.
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The Mr Fluffy legacy has already impacted more than 60 homes in the city and parliamentary secretary for Southern NSW Katrina Hodgkinson has encouraged the participation of property owners in the free program, citing the potential repercussions of an undiagnosed asbestos presence.
“I urge people in the community not to leave it too late,” she said.
“If selling your property in the future, there will be a legal requirement for loose-fill asbestos to be disclosed in contracts for sale and listed on planning certificates.”
Homes in Albury City, Berrigan, Bombala, Boorowa, Cooma Monaro, Goulburn Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Narrandera, Palerang, Queanbeyan City, Snowy River, Tumbarumba, Upper Lachlan, Wagga Wagga City, Yass Valley and Young Shire Councils have been diagnosed with the presence of asbestos and a number of public meetings have taken place in those areas, with the Queanbeyan City Library playing host to a public drop-in session on Tuesday, April 12.
“Home owners in those areas whose properties were built before 1980 and suspect they may be affected by loose-fill asbestos should contact NSW Fair Trading as soon as possible to take advantage of the free testing program,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“The owners or properties that have been identified as containing loose-fill asbestos are eligible to enter the program which involves the NSW government purchasing the land and premises, or premises only, at market value as if it was free of loose-fill asbestos insulation.”
The state government has determined that the only option for an affected property is demolition coupled with comprehensive site remediation and subsequent disposal. An Assistance Package is also part of the government’s remediation program and includes counselling services, relocation assistance, home contents assistance, independent legal advice and stamp duty concessions.
