QUEANBEYAN Mayor Tim Overall has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of further assistance for loose-fill asbestos homes, which looks a lot like where the ACT was at six months ago.

The assistance includes a ‘Make Safe’ Assistance Package for affected properties and the establishment of a Loose Fill Asbestos Insulation Taskforce. At least 15 Queanbeyan properties are known to be affected by loose-fill asbestos.

“The NSW Government’s announcement is very timely and gives a high level of certainty to affected home owners and residents,” Tim said.

“Up until now, many affected home owners and residents have been living on the edge of financial uncertainty and long term health risk.

“The ‘Make Safe’ Assistance Package, available immediately, supplements already available measures with financial assistance to help residents safely manage loose fill asbestos. This package provides financial support for sealing of cavities, environmental cleaning of habitable areas, hazard labelling and regular inspections. Support will also be provided for counselling services, assistance towards the replacement of furnishings and where required emergency accommodation.

“The NSW Government said the Loose Fill Asbestos Insulation Taskforce would develop a comprehensive action plan to advise the government on the most appropriate enduring solution to the loose-fill asbestos issue in NSW, which will look at options that could include government purchase, demolition and owner rebuild options.

“The establishment of the multi-agency taskforce, to include local government, is particularly welcomed. It is critical that the long-term measures to be put in place are thorough, comprehensive and accommodate a range of differing circumstances,” Cr Overall said.

“I congratulate the NSW Government on today’s announcements and the Minister Perrottet’s proactive response to the Joint Parliamentary enquiry’s report.”

A new website and hotline has been set up for the community to obtain further information. More details can be found online at www.nsw.gov.au/loosefillasbestos or by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88.

[Photo via www.m3asbestos.com]