It’s still unclear when asbestos will be removed from a closed-off section of Brimbank Park – more than six months after it was discovered.
Up to five hectares of the park have been fenced off since February as Parks Victoria continues to investigate an undisclosed amount of asbestos found dumped last December.
Parks Victoria Melbourne region executive director Chris Hardman said the dangerous substance was found at the park’s western entrance, on both sides of the Taylors Creek access trail.
Between three and five hectares of land between Green Gully Road and Kulin Wetlands was fenced off after the scattered fragments were identified as “lower risk”, broken asbestos cement sheeting.
Several residents have taken to Star Weekly’s website to voice their frustration.
“Still no works have commenced as far as I can see. This has also closed the only pram-friendly access to Brimbank park from Kealba,” NC wrote in May.
“How long does remediation work take? It has already been three months,” Chris posted in April.
However, a site assessment “to determine the extent of the material to be removed” has been held up due to the indigenous significance of the area. Parks Victoria has consulted Wurundjeri people about the presence of “artefacts or culturally sensitive material”.
“No site works will commence until Parks Victoria has received the appropriate permit,” Mr Hardman said.
Weekly air monitoring has found no airborne fibre readings, Parks Victoria says.
More information at www.parks.vic.gov.au or call 131 963.
