The section of the park where asbestos-containing material (ACM) was recently discovered will now be remediated and transformed into a lawn for passive recreation. Image: Hilltops Council.
Hilltops Council plans to transform a section of Harden-Murrumburrah’s Coddington Park into a lawn for passive recreation once remediation of asbestos contamination is completed.
Last week, the council announced the discovery of asbestos-containing material (ACM) in a 1100-sqm section of the park which was designated a youth recreation area following a major enhancement project.
Part of the Murrumburrah Precinct Plan, the recent upgrades sought to improve the parkland, beautify the creekline and create urban design improvements for improved links to the twin town’s historic centre.
After closing in February 2021, the park reopened to the public in December 2023 and works were completed in March 2024.
The asbestos contamination was recently identified after council staff noticed ACM fragments on the ground during an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) investigation into asbestos in mulch.
No asbestos was found in the mulch.
The separate discovery has been attributed by council to historical fill material from the demolition of a pool and power station in the 1960s and 1980s, respectively, and was only exposed on the surface following the upgrade.
It has been classified non-friable, which according to NSW Health, means the asbestos fibres are bonded, not readily released into the atmosphere and considered a low health risk.
“While the discovery of asbestos has been identified as low-risk, the safety of our community remains our utmost priority,” said Hilltops Council general manager Anthony O’Reilly.
He said the council was consulting with a licensed asbestos assessor to determine the best remediation strategy, which might include removing or encapsulating the material.
The most appropriate treatment method will be determined based on the contamination outlined in an environmental investigation, the current and future use of the site, any vegetation on the site, and if the site is impacted by flooding or drainage issues, Mr O’Reilly said.
In the meantime, in the interests of public safety, council has installed temporary fencing and signage around the affected area while remediation is carried out.
For further updates or information, residents can contact Hilltops Council on 1300 445 586.
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