Fibro sheeting fragments, which are suspected to contain asbestos particles, were found on the eastern side of Kosciusko Road of Jindabyne Shared Trail, near the pines.
Once the contamination was identified, this local New South Wales Council was immediately alerted, and the all visible fragments of the fibro sheeting were removed. The Council has temporarily closed off two hundred metres of the Jindabyne Shared Trail – the area from the council Pump Station Access Toad to the Jindabyne Dam wall. The walking trail will be closed off for an indefinite period of time. It is possible that it will be closed off for a period of up to two months. Members of the public are being encouraged to stay away from this closed section of the walking trail for their own safety.
In the meantime, further tests are being conducted to assess the extent of the contamination. Over the coming weeks, remedial work and the removal of asbestos by specialist contractors will also take place.
The Council will continue to work closely with members of the community to ensure that they are aware of the dangers of asbestos, and remain informed of the situation.
Asbestos exposure is all too common in Australia. Asbestos was widely used, and it just shows, even in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains, Australians need to be careful about being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos conditions in Australia have been many in the past. It is hoped asbestos in Australia is reduced, thus hopefully reducing new cases of mesothelioma in Australia and asbestosis in Australia.
