By YASEMIN TALAT
RESIDENTS in an Altona North street have raised concerns for their health after discovering asbestos in their yards.
They claim the asbestos has come from a neighbouring home that was demolished.
One resident from Hatherley Grove said he had come home from work last week to find asbestos all over his property.
“I found some asbestos in my front yard, I picked it up and got it tested and it came back positive as being amosite asbestos, it was all over my front porch, my outdoor setting, and in my grass,” the neighbour said.
He said he immediately called Hobsons Bay Council and Worksafe but was getting the red tape run around.
“There are a lot of kids in this area, I’ve got a son who’s seven, you don’t want to bring them up and even risk them around anything like that,” he said.
“The only reason I know a bit about it is because I work around it, others would just think its plaster they wouldn’t understand the risk until it’s too late.”
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Sandra Wilson said the council was doing whatever was in their hands to address the issue.
“The council takes community safety seriously and no more so than when it comes to the proper management of asbestos removal,” Cr Sandra Wilson.
“Once notified about this incident, the council immediately undertook every action available to it,” she said.
“Worksafe was contacted and they have organised to make a site visit to assess the situation. Additionally, the private building surveyor was contacted by the council to ascertain what went on in respect to the demolition. “
Victorian WorkCover Authority spokesman said the complaint was received and the organisation was looking into it.
“The VWA has since visited the site and is making further inquiries,” he said.
