7 Sydney Schools Tested for Asbestos Contamination in Garden Mulch

Signs and barricades are placed around Rozelle Parklands for it’s clossure after asbestos was found, in Sydney, Jan. 10, 2024. AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

Seven schools in Sydney will be tested for asbestos after the dangerous fibre was identified at multiple sites in New South Wales.

The latest testing is part of a broader effort to curb the problem after the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) discovered asbestos in mulch at 15 locations. Hundreds of sites could be potentially contaminated, according to NSW Premier Chris Minns.

A Mardi Gras Fair Day event for 70,000 people has also been cancelled after asbestos was found in mulch at Victoria Park.

Asbestos in mulch was also found in Liverpool West Public School recently, forcing students to relocate to another location.

The New South Wales (NSW) government announced on Feb. 15 it will establish an asbestos taskforce to investigate asbestos in mulch.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will inspect Allambie Heights Public School, International Grammar School, Mt. Annan Christian College, North Sydney Public School, Penrith Christian School, St Luke’s Catholic College, and Westmead Christian Grammar.

The EPA explained the seven schools have been selected for “precautionary testing” and schools have made individual risk assessments.

They were chosen because they received the gardening material from the same manufacturer that supplied mulch to 25 sites found to contain asbestos.

Most of these schools, aside from one, will remain open and students and staff are being told to stay away from garden beds.

“Once results are finalised, the EPA will advise what further action may be required. We encourage parents with concerns about mulch in their child’s school, to contact the school directly for the most up-to-date information,” the EPA said.

“Other new sites confirmed with positive results for bonded asbestos include—St John of God Hospital in North Richmond, Woolworths at Kellyville, and a Transport for NSW park at Wiley Park.

“All landowners have been advised to put in place measures to prevent public access and begin removal of the contaminated mulch.”

The decision is being supported by the recently announced NSW Government Asbestos Taskforce, which will provide support to the EPA’s investigation.

On Feb. 15, the NSW government unveiled details of the task force, to be spearheaded by Carolyn Walsh, who is chair of the NSW asbestos coordination committee.

The government is considering regulatory action to increase penalties and deterrence for asbestos.

“The government’s number one priority is ‘contact tracing’ down the complex supply chain, and then facilitating testing, reporting, and management of any positive results. SafeWork NSW, NSW Health, and Public Works Advisory will continue to provide support,” the EPA said.

“The taskforce will help co-ordinate government agencies and assist in prioritising sites considered of highest risk to the public, to ensure all resources are available to secure and remediate sites.”

Environment minister Penny Sharpe said this is the largest investigation the EPA has taken up in recent decades.

“The complex, criminal investigation involves multiple lines of enquiry. Our number one priority is to finish contract tracing the supply chain – so that any potential receiver of the mulch is notified. That means we can take immediate action to make the area safe,” Ms. Sharpe said.

“The surge workforce means we can get to the bottom of the supply chain much faster. I am also taking advice on options to strengthen penalties for those who do the wrong thing.”

Liverpool West Public School students were forced to relocate to learn remotely for a couple of days and will be relocating to Gulyangarri Public School after asbestos was discovered in mulch.

Education Minister Prue Car described the situation as “extremely disappointing” and highlighted it must be stressful for parents and teachers.

“The NSW government understands how frustrating this must be for parents and teachers at the school and I assure you the decision to temporarily close the school site was not taken lightly, Ms. Car said.

“We are acting with an abundance of caution and doing so quickly to ensure the safety of the school community.”

Mardi Gras Event Cancelled Due to Asbestos Discovery

City of Sydney and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras announced the fair day event in Victoria Park on Feb. 18 will be cancelled.

“On Monday 12 February, following advice from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) about possible asbestos contamination in mulch, test results found bonded asbestos at Victoria Park,” the organisers said.

“Following a more detailed investigation into the safety concerns at Victoria Park, it has become clear to the City and Sydney Mardi Gras that an event of the scale of Fair Day is unable to proceed this Sunday.

“The City and Sydney Mardi Gras will continue to work together to deliver other events over the 17 days of the festival.”

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the NSW government and the EPA must make sure this never happens again.

“This is an incredibly disappointing decision, as Fair Day is a pivotal part of the Mardi Gras calendar. But we have to put the safety of our community first,” Ms. Moore said.

“We will continue to work with Mardi Gras once the asbestos issue is resolved. Today’s decision underscores how serious this is.”