Legacy asbestos fill sites

Problem

As part of previous manufacturing processes, asbestos waste was used to fill land (largely in Western Sydney) at multiple locations between the 1950s and 1970s. This has resulted in legacy land contamination for hundreds of residential, commercial and industrial properties, and public open spaces.

Innocent landowners are significantly affected by reduced property values, limitations on the use of the property and potential health risks. Infrastructure development, such as new road corridors, has also been affected.

Over recent years the City of Parramatta Council and State Government landowners have remediated some affected sites.

Outcomes sought

• That the community is not exposed to legacy waste from previous asbestos manufacturing industries used as fill on public and private land.

Key issues to address

• Existing ‘make safe’ works are effective, but have a limited life span of a few years. The EPA has assessed all residential sites and offered work to private landowners to make their land safe. Many, but not all, have taken up this offer. These ‘make-safe’ works are effective but temporary.
• Significant funding is required for a long-term resolution. It will be complex and expensive.