If you’ve been past Carella Street Park recently, you may have noticed an area of the playground fenced off while we prepare to install a new accessible swing.
During early excavation work for the swing, a small amount of asbestos-containing material (ACM) was uncovered. The area was immediately made safe and fenced off, and there is no current risk to the community.
We’re now ready to safely remove the material so we can get on with installing the new swing.
What’s happening and when?
From Monday, 10 August, a larger area around the playground will be temporarily fenced off. This will include the playground, nearby seating and enough room for the equipment and vehicles needed to carry out the removal safely.
The asbestos removal is expected to start from 8:00am on Tuesday, 11 August and, all going to plan, should be completed within the day.
While the work is underway, you may see workers in full protective clothing and a number of safety measures in place around the playground. While this can look a little confronting, it’s standard practice for asbestos removal, regardless of how much material is being removed.
The contractors will also use barriers and water to control dust and minimise the chance of any material leaving the immediate work area. Extra staff will be on site to keep people safely away from the works.
When will the playground reopen?
Once the asbestos removal is finished, the area will be inspected and a clearance certificate issued to confirm it is safe.
As soon as we have that clearance, most of the temporary fencing will come down and the playground will reopen. A much smaller fenced area will remain around the new swing while its installation is finished.
We’re aiming to have the new accessible swing installed and ready to use by the end of August.
We know closing a playground is inconvenient, particularly for families who use the park regularly, and we appreciate everyone’s patience while we get this work done safely.
If you have any questions about the works, please contact City of Clarence on (03) 6217 9500 or clarence@ccc.tas.gov.au