As part of works to install a new basket swing at the Carella Street Park, a small amount of asbestos-containing material was uncovered while digging one of the swing footings.
Work to install the basket swing has stopped, the ground has been sealed, and temporary fencing has been installed around the area. We have arranged for the material to be safely removed by a licensed contractor.
Based on advice received, there is no current risk to park users so the remainder of the park, including the playground and open space, will be open for people to enjoy over the school holidays.
When school holidays have ended, the contractor will start work on removing the found asbestos-containing material. Residents may notice workers in the park wearing full protective suits and equipment as part of the removal process.
At this stage, only one footing has been excavated, so further investigations will be undertaken as works continue.
We appreciate your patience while these works are completed and look forward to delivering the new basket swing for the community. The safety of our community and workers is our highest priority.
If you have any questions, please contact City of Clarence on (03) 6217 9500, email clarence@ccc.tas.gov.au or read of the FAQs below.
Why is part of Carella Street Park fenced off?
A small section of the park has been temporarily fenced off after a small amount of asbestos-containing material (ACM) was uncovered during excavation works for the installation of a new accessible swing.
The work stopped immediately, the excavation was made safe, and the area was fenced off while City of Clarence arranges for the material to be removed by licensed asbestos specialists.
Is the park safe to use?
Yes. There is no current risk to the community.
The excavation has been made safe, the ground has been sealed, and the affected work area has been securely fenced off. Licensed asbestos specialists have confirmed there is currently no visible asbestos-containing material in or around the Carella Street Park playground.
As a precaution, a larger area of the playground will be temporarily fenced off while the asbestos removal works are undertaken. Once the area has been inspected and a clearance certificate has been issued, the fencing will be reduced so installation of the accessible swing can continue.
Can my children still use the playground?
Yes, at present. The playground remains open and available for use, with only the small work area currently fenced off.
During the asbestos removal works, the entire playground will be temporarily closed to allow the works to be completed safely. The playground will reopen once the area has been inspected and a clearance certificate has been issued.
How much asbestos-containing material was found?
A very small amount of asbestos-containing material was uncovered during excavation of one footing for the accessible swing.
The material was identified immediately, work stopped, and the site was made safe.
Where was the asbestos-containing material found?
The material was uncovered while excavating one of the footings for the new accessible swing.
The current fenced work area is approximately 30–40 metres from the main community areas of the park.
Why wasn’t the asbestos-containing material found before work started?
Asbestos-containing material is sometimes encountered during excavation works, particularly where there has been historical filling of land. In this case, the material was only identified once excavation began.
Will more asbestos-containing material be found?
At this stage, only one footing has been excavated. Further excavation is required to install the accessible swing, so it is not yet known whether any additional asbestos-containing material will be encountered.
If more material is identified, it will be managed safely by licensed specialists in accordance with all relevant health, safety and environmental requirements.
What happens now?
City of Clarence will engage licensed asbestos removal specialists to safely remove the material. As a precaution, the playground will be temporarily fenced off while these works are undertaken.
Once the removal is complete and an independent clearance certificate has been issued confirming the area is safe, the playground will reopen and work to install the accessible swing will continue.
Why hasn’t the whole park been closed?
There is no need to close the entire park. There is no current risk to the community, and the affected area is small, has been made safe and is securely fenced off.
During the asbestos removal works, the fenced area will temporarily expand to include the playground and the space needed for specialist equipment and vehicles. This is a precautionary measure to ensure the removal can be carried out safely and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Why are workers wearing full protective suits?
Licensed asbestos removal contractors are required to wear specialised personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever they undertake asbestos removal work.
This is standard practice and is required regardless of whether the amount of asbestos-containing material is large or small. While the protective clothing can appear alarming, it reflects the strict safety procedures that apply to asbestos removal and does not indicate that there is a risk to the surrounding community.
How long will the fenced area remain in place?
The current work area will remain fenced until the asbestos removal works begin.
During the removal works, the playground will be temporarily closed. Once the area has been inspected and a clearance certificate has been issued, the playground will reopen and the fencing will be reduced to the minimum area required to complete installation of the accessible swing.
Should I be concerned if I have visited the park recently?
No. There is no current risk to the community.
The material was uncovered during excavation works, work stopped immediately, and the area was made safe and fenced off. Licensed asbestos specialists have confirmed there is currently no visible asbestos-containing material in or around the playground.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any questions, please contact City of Clarence on (03) 6217 9500 or email clarence@ccc.tas.gov.au