The properties on Cooma St, Cassinia St, Early St and White Av were part of 60 homes identified with loose-fill asbestos of the 2012 homes tested in the Queanbeyan region.

Homeowners with blocks identified as having loose-fill or ‘Mr Fluffy’ asbestos were given two options to fix the issue.

They could either have their entire property purchased by the government at market price or they could choose to have the government remove the affected home before rebuilding on their own land.

This is the first local release where the government purchased both the house and land. There had been four blocks released previously where the government returned land to the owners after removing the house.

This was different to homeowners in the ACT who only had the option of selling their entire property back to the government.

Member for Monaro John Barilaro said returning property to homeowners wishing to rebuild in Queanbeyan was his priority.

“The historic use of loose-fill asbestos is a serious health issue, and that’s why we will remain focused on removing this risk from the homeowner, and the broader community,” Mr Barilaro said.

“We want to safeguard residents while also protecting the largest investment most of us will make in our lifetime – the family home.”

The auctions will be held on Thursday, November 30.