Holroyd leads the State in safe demolition and removal of asbestos

Holroyd City Council’s Motion # 126 was supported unanimously by the delegates in attendance at the Local Government Association of NSW (LGA) Annual Conference held in Tamworth earlier this week (25-28 October 2009) which requests the urgent investigation and upgrade to the Asbestos Removal and State Environment Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes).

Holroyd City Council submitted a list of 10 motions in total to be discussed at the Conference where delegates met to discuss and set policy for the coming year.

The motion is as follows: “That the Local Government Association make representation to the Premier and Minister for Planning that the issue of asbestos removal under the SEPP (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 needs to be investigated and addressed by Government as a matter of urgency.”

Mayor Clr John Perry said, “Council will accept the invitation from Minister Keneally to meet to discuss our concerns.”

The State Government’s recent Exempt and Complying Development SEPP has increased the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres. The SEPP permits demolition of houses containing asbestos material with inadequate measures for safe removal and disposal, as follows:

-                   Owner builders will not be protected by requirements for safe removal

-                   Appropriate disposal of asbestos will not be ensured by a Waste Management Plan as it is currently

-                   Covering asbestos material will conceal it from future owners

-                   Neighbours will not be adequately notified prior to demolition of asbestos material as so will be exposed to fibres.

The SEPP misleads demolishers into believing they merely need to meet set requirements, when in fact they still have a duty of care to neighbours. The new legislation supersedes the Holroyd City Council Policy which ensured the safe demolition and removal of asbestos, also increasing the potential for litigation placing various parties at risk, including the State Government.

Following on from the LGANSW Conference, Council has moved to engage the entire local community on the issue beginning with an on-line survey which is available at Council’s website: www.holroyd.nsw.gov.au.

For more information please contact Council’s Manager Strategic Planning on 9840 9803.

Ends.

For further information contact the Media Relations and Promotions Manager on 9840 9717, 0416 105 029 or email web2@holroyd.nsw.gov.au.