Geelong council in Victoria has finally passed its clean-up plans for asbestos that was illegally dumped at Corio Bay 10 months ago onto the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The Victorian council managed area is covered with broken corrugated asbestos sheets.
Council’s clean-up plan has been developed through negotiations with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and asbestos management experts. The plan includes short term actions including collecting the pieces of the scattered asbestos by hand and sealing off part of the area and also long term monitoring procedures.
The EPA has confirmed that they have received the final asbestos report from the Geelong City Council this week and they will now start the review process. The delay in getting this clean-up plan to EPA for approval is worrying as exposure to asbestos is extremely dangerous and can lead to people contracting asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
The number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma in Australia is expected to rise. This paired with Australia having one of the highest rates of asbestos related diseases in the world makes asbestos management and removal extremely important.
Many people in Victoria have suffered asbestos conditions. Asbestos compensation in Victoria, including mesothelioma claims in Victoria, are supported by specific Victorian asbestos legislation designed to assist those Victorians who suffer asbestos conditions pursue such legal rights.
