Priority asbestos works identified

A new $1.5 million program will commence this financial year to remove some of the most dangerous forms of asbestos from government buildings.   

Housing and Public Works Minister Dr Bruce Flegg said the initiative was part of the Government’s broader long-term asbestos management strategy. 

“I am particularly concerned about high risk products like low density asbestos fibre board and asbestos backed vinyl floor sheeting, both of which are highly prone to releasing fibres into the air when disturbed,” Dr Flegg said.  

“I have instructed the department to identify projects where these materials, particularly in schools can be removed as a priority. 

“In conjunction with this program, I will be writing to all of my parliamentary colleagues to reiterate the dangers of asbestos and the Government’s long-term plan to remove it from our buildings.” 

Dr Flegg said a significant amount of asbestos work had already been undertaken. 

“In 2011–12, QBuild successfully managed in excess of 420 asbestos incidents in Government-owned buildings as well as undertaking 2,074 asbestos audits and over 630 asbestos removal projects, valued overall in excess of $26 million.”   

Dr Flegg said any asbestos removal programs would increase the demand for waste disposal facilities around the State that accept asbestos waste. 

“Presently, asbestos can be safely disposed of at either a licensed council-managed, or privately-owned facility. I have sought the support of the Local Government Association of Queensland to establish a list of waste facilities around the state that will accept asbestos. 

“We need to make the disposal of this dangerous substance simpler, safer and cheaper and I will be doing everything I can to encourage more facilities to accept asbestos waste and be actively involved in preventing or reducing unsafe asbestos waste disposal.” 

Dr Flegg said the merging of QBuild and Project Services into a new entity would also create opportunities to improve asbestos management across the State. 

“The new entity will apply for an organisational Class B licence for asbestos removal, which will require further training of some staff. 

“The entity will also establish four new positions competent in supervising the removal of friable asbestos, rather than outsourcing this work as was done previously.” 

[ENDS] 18 October 2012

Media Contact: Graeme Hallett 0408 763 671