A project to remove all asbestos from the Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia has been announced by the parks caretakers. This decision came after a federal study found asbestos at the site of the old Uluru Motel which was demolished over 25 years ago and in the park’s ranger accommodation.
Small pieces of old asbestos sheeting was found on the ground of the old Motel site. Along with removing these asbestos cement sheets, contractors will also go through the area and remove any asbestos found. Although the asbestos has been found to be safe as is, the removal of it is still going ahead as precaution and to ensure the safety of the park’s staff.
The removal of all found asbestos is extremely important and the park is making the right decision in making this happen. Exposure to asbestos can lead to people contracting diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
In the 1970s, the Northern Territory was the scene of Cyclone Tracey. During the Darwin rebuild, many homes were built which contained asbestos. Some workers who were exposed to asbestos during this rebuild went on to develop asbestos related conditions, including mesothelioma. There have been mesothelioma claims in Australian Courts where such exposure has been alleged.
