EPA Victoria’s investigation of sources of mulch delivered to parks and reserves where possible traces of asbestos have been reported continues.

We are grateful to the community for continuing to send us information and make enquiries, including related to residential properties.  These will be managed through normal business processes.

We are continuing to prioritise our response and investigations into public parks and reserves.

Our updates to community on potential asbestos in parks and reserves will continue as the situation evolves.

Status of sites

• PA Burns Reserve, Altona
  • We inspected over the weekend and observed good quality mulch laid over industrial waste.
  • Our testing has this afternoon (Tuesday, 9 April) confirmed small amounts of asbestos containing material at the site.
  • We have directed Hobsons Bay City Council to fence the site and prioritise the site for remediation.
• GJ Hosken Reserve, Altona North
  • We inspected on Sunday 7 April. Our testing has this afternoon (Tuesday, 9 April) confirmed earlier test results from Hobsons Bay City Council (Friday, 5 April) that traces of asbestos containing material are present at the site.
  • Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.
  • We are continuing our investigations into the source of the contamination.
• Crofts Reserve, Altona North
  • We inspected on Saturday 6 April. Our testing has this afternoon (Tuesday, 9 April) confirmed earlier test results from Hobsons Bay City Council (Friday, 5 April) that traces of asbestos containing material are present at the site.
  • We are continuing our investigations into the source of the contamination.
  • Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.
• Dennis Reserve, Williamstown
  • EPA alerted and inspected Tuesday 9 April and taken samples for testing.
• Fitzgerald Square Reserve, Sunshine West
  • EPA alerted and inspected Tuesday 9 April and taken samples for testing.
• Altona Coastal Park, Altona
  • Reported by council and samples taken for testing on Tuesday 9 April.
• Shore Reserve, Pascoe Vale South
  • EPA inspections Saturday 6 April. Three small samples removed. Awaiting test results.
• Hosken Reserve, North Coburg
  • A construction site being managed by Merri-bek Council where asbestos has been found in the soil. Contamination is believed to be from historic buried material. It is not associated with mulch products. Council has restricted access while it implements remediation plans.
• PJ Lynch Reserve, Altona North
  • We inspected and confirmed asbestos. Second inspection on Saturday 6 April found no remaining asbestos.
  • Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.
• Kororoit Creek Trail, Altona North
  • We inspected a 1.2km section of the trail on Sunday 7 April. No asbestos was identified.
• Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood
  • Asbestos containing material confirmed.
  • Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.

For the latest information on parks and reserves being investigated for potential asbestos contamination visit https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/incidents/response-to-potential-asbestos

Supply chain investigations

Under existing remedial notices Hobsons Bay City Council is required to report to EPA on the sources of mulch received over the past 18 months.

EPA is also working with Hobsons Bay City Council on potential sources of mulch at the parks in Altona North, which is believed to have been delivered as far back as 2017.

Based on EPA intelligence, we have also been inspecting potential sources over the past 48 hours.

Public reporting

Dumping of construction and demolition waste is illegal and we encourage community to report any suspicious activities to EPA on 1300 372 842. To report potential asbestos, press option 2, then option 6.