The road that runs through Barraba’s Woodsreef asbestos mine in NSW has been causing asbestos concerns among the community and Council. Tamworth Regional Council is now pushing for the NSW Government to take responsibility for the road.

A road closure application has already been made to close part of the road due to health and safety concerns and a detailed report of this application was presented at the Council’s monthly meeting. Tamworth Regional Council has spoken out saying the mine and any road that runs through it is a concern of the New South Wales state government as the problem is asbestos and that is their responsibility.

Tamworth Council has unanimously voted to be removed as Roads Authority and believe that Council should address the health risk associated with the road.

Any asbestos exposure is concerning since even small amounts of asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma in Australia has affected many people and it is expected that many Australians in the future will be diagnosed with this asbestos related condition and others such as asbestosis and asbestos related pleural disease.

For decades the town of Terowie in South Australia has been used as an asbestos dumping ground. However, this is not the result of illegal dumping – the town is the property of the South Australian Government. Despite this, there is no fencing, no warning signs and the Government seems to be in no rush to clear the asbestos from the area even with concerns that asbestos may make its way into a nearby playground and school.

The asbestos is located down at the southern rail yards where the ground is covered with broken pieces of asbestos. A local resident has suggested the contamination covers up to three kilometres. These broken asbestos pieces and old asbestos roof sheeting now cover ground close to a popular walking trail and locals fear that these bits of asbestos are so tiny that people will easily walk over them without realizing their health may be in danger.

Terowie has been described as a forgotten town since the train station was abandon and dismantled in the 1970s leaving behind the asbestos debris that still remains there today.

Locals have been complaining about the asbestos contamination in Terowie for years and the State Government has failed to resolve this situation. Considering Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos related diseases in the world and the number of new mesothelioma cases is expected to rise, the Government should be working toward ridding Terowie of all toxic asbestos.

For those people who have unfortunately contracted an asbestos related disease there is legislation in South Australia to assist those with an asbestos condition to make a claim. Asbestos compensation in South Australia, including mesothelioma claims in South Australia, are assisted by such specific South Australian legislation.

Malabar in Sydney is experiencing an asbestos scare after winds of more then 100km/h ripped off part of the Malabar RSL roof on the weekend. This has caused concern in the community as parts of the asbestos roof were sent flying, landing on surrounding homes and roads.

While the Fire and Rescue NSW HAZMAT teams were working hard to clear all the asbestos from the area, a number of streets had to be closed to the public and residents were advised to stay inside.

Fire and Rescue NSW have spoken out saying that while the situation does spark some concern because the roof was made of asbestos, locals should not be concerned that the air is contaminated. They are working with the NSW Environment Protection Authority and State Emergency Service to locate all pieces of asbestos sheeting and have already began the clean up. Three independent contractors have been using vacuums to clear all the debris from the storm.

Situations like these require a quick and efficient clean up procedure which ensures all asbestos is removed from the area as even minimal exposure to asbestos can result in residents contracting an asbestos related disease such as asbestos related pleural disease or mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a major concern in Australia. Mesothelioma cases in Australia continue to rise.

Over 170 homes have been damaged and three completely destroyed after what has been described as a mini tornado ripped through Kiama in New South Wales on Sunday morning. Ferocious winds ripped up trees and pulled up roofs leaving a lot of debris which are believed to contain asbestos.

When asbestos fibres become airborne, anyone exposed to them could be at risk of contracting an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma. While the asbestos was wet, there wasn’t much concern however now that it is becoming sunny the asbestos is drying out it is becoming extremely dangerous.

The storm on Sunday morning was responsible for a large amount of damage in Kiama including the leisure centre losing its roof. This has caused major problems as the leisure centre is mainly built from asbestos. As a result 70 people who live in the area surrounding the leisure centre will be evacuated until the area has been completely cleaned and is asbestos free.

The clean up of asbestos in Kiama is extremely important so residents are not at risk of contracting asbestos related illnesses like the cancer mesothelioma. While there is mesothelioma treatment available the disease is generally incurable and the number of new mesothelioma cases in Australia is expected to rise within the next decade. Therefore all necessary steps must be taken to reduce the chances of any Kiama residents being diagnosed with this cancer