By Tate Papworth
An $11.35 million project to transform Upper Stony Creek has ground to a halt after asbestos was discovered at the site.
A Sunshine North resident said the area had been cordoned off and marked as “hazardous asbestos removal areas” for some time.
“The large affected areas have a green powdery look to them, which can be seen from our back fence,” said the resident, who requested anonymity.
“Unless we’ve missed something, we haven’t been informed about the removal of this asbestos, which in our case is within metres of our home.”
Brimbank infrastructure and city services director Neil Whiteside confirmed the presence of asbestos at the site, but said the risk to the public was minimal.
“Brimbank council has been advised that asbestos has been identified at the site of the Upper Stony Creek Transformation Project, which is currently being managed by Development Victoria on behalf of the project partners,” he said.
“Council has been advised that the type of asbestos, its location, and the fact that the area is closed off to the public, means that the asbestos poses a very low risk to human health.
“Development Victoria is working to clean up the site, in accordance with Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and WorkSafe guidelines.”
A Development Victoria spokesperson said work at the site had been stopped for about a month while an asbestos management plan was prepared.
He said the plan has now been finalised and neighbouring residents will be doorknocked and receive a letter advising them of the process.
The Stony Creek project began in April with the aim of transforming the area from a drain into a natural, re-vegetated creek.
Work on the 1.2-kilometre stretch of the creek between Furlong and Gilmour roads will include the planting of 2200 indigenous trees and installation of walking paths.
It is not known for how long the project will be on hold.
Details: Development Victoria on 8317 3400
