Safe Asbestos Removal and Disposal Survey

The safe removal and disposal of asbestos is an important issue faced by all areas of NSW and one which is interlinked with the management of the development process. Holroyd City Council currently employs an Asbestos Policy to establish a framework for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos within the Holroyd area, in line with industry standards and community expectations.

The State Government has recently released the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development) 2008 which grants development approval authority to private certifiers without the intervention of the relevant council.

Under the SEPP and without the need to seek council development approval, a private certifier would not be required to follow mandated asbestos management policies, nor provide advice or monitor the legal and safety requirements related to asbestos removal and disposal. Currently the SEPP has no requirements for safe removal and disposal of asbestos as part of demolition.

Holroyd City Council believes that under this model, community safety across NSW is greatly at risk. Through by-passing the Council development application process:

• owner builders in particular will not be protected by formal requirements for the safe removal of asbestos;
• appropriate disposal of asbestos will not be ensured by a Waste Management Plan;
• the ability to cover asbestos material will conceal it from future owners; and
• neighbours will not be adequately notified prior to demolition of asbestos material, heightening the risk of exposure.

Holroyd City Councillors moved a motion at the recent Local Government Association of NSW Annual Conference for the State Government to revisit the minimal requirements of the SEPP in regard to the removal and disposal of asbestos.

Council is now seeking your support to make formal representation to the NSW Premier and Minister for Planning that the issue of asbestos removal under the SEPP needs to be investigated and addressed by State Government as a matter of urgency.

Public Survey

Who would you rather regulate the removal and disposal of asbestos in your area?

•  Council through their management of the development process and Asbestos Policy
•  Private Certifiers employed by the developers and builders

For further information, please contact Council’s Manager of Strategic Planning on 9840 9803.

Thank you for providing your input on this matter.