Forbes residents are being offered free testing for loose-fill asbestos after a property in the area was found to contain the hazardous fibres.
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The testing is free to people who own a pre-1980s home in the Forbes Shire Council area, with the government offering to purchase homes containing it for demolition.
Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless urged homeowners to register for testing before March 12.
“NSW Fair Trading is offering free testing as an opportunity for us to find out if loose-fill asbestos was installed as insulation in other properties in the area,” Mr Colless said.
“If you are the owner of a pre-1980s residential property in the Forbes Council area, you are eligible to register for the free testing.
“Once the testing has been completed, the outcome of those tests will inform any further action that needs to be considered.”
Loose-fill asbestos is raw crushed asbestos, which in the 1960s and 70s was installed as ceiling insulation in a number of NSW homes.
Over time, hazardous airborne fibres can move from the ceiling into living spaces, Mr Colless advised in a press released issued this week.
The NSW Government has a Voluntary Purchase and Demolition Program for homes found to contain loose-fill asbestos. Homes are purchased at market value, as if they did not contain loose-fill asbestos.
Earlier experiences in both NSW and the ACT has demonstrated that simply removing loose-fill asbestos from a ceiling cavity does not effectively remove the hazard, Mr Colless’s press release said.
“The NSW Government, with input from a range of experts, has determined that demolition, comprehensive site remediation and disposal are the best ways to ensure the health and safety of the NSW community,” it said.
To date,142 properties have tested positive to loose-fill asbestos from more than 61,000 properties tested across NSW.
The owner of the Forbes property where loose-fill asbestos was discovered is considering their options.
You can register for free testing online at www.loosefillasbestos.nsw.gov.au or call Service NSW on 13 77 88.
You can also talk to a NSW Fair Trading representative at:
· Tuesday February 20, 11am – 4pm, outside Bernardi’s IGA, Lachlan Street
· Wednesday February 21, 9am – 2pm, at Bunnings, Cnr Newell Hwy and Lamb Streets
· Wednesday February 28, 9am – 2pm, outside Bernardi’s IGA, Lachlan Street
· Thursday March 1, 9am – 2pm, outside Woolworths, Rankin Street
