MR FLUFFY: First NSW property to test positive for loose-fill asbestos as part of NSW Govt testing program identified

The property is located within the Berrigan Shire Council area, an agricultural area in the southern Riverina – halfway between Albury and Echuca.

The Berrigan property brings to 60 the number of NSW homes found to contain loose-fill asbestos. These include 14 houses and one block of 38 units in Queanbeyan, a home in each Yass Valley, Palerang, Berrigan, Orange, Lithgow, Bankstown, Parramatta and Manly.

A recent NSW Parliament Joint Select Committee report on loose-fill asbestos insulation released just prior to Christmas indicated that the impact of ‘Mr Fluffy’ Asbestos may be much larger than initially estimated.

In October 2014, the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities WorkCover NSW commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to undertake an independent forensic investigation of relevant records to determine the extent of loose-fill asbestos insulation in homes in New South Wales. 

Preliminary findings indicate that between 590 and 2,164 properties in NSW may contain loose fill insulation. This is considerably higher than the Local Government NSW estimation of between 230 and 316 homes provided in August last year.

Licenced Asbestos Assessor and Occupational Hygienist Juliet Duffy from Regional Enviroscience, is working with WorkCover to collect samples and test for ‘Mr Fluffy’ insulation in homes in all potentially affected regional cities and shires.

“The preliminary findings of Pricewaterhouse Coopers indicates there are possibly 100 to 140 homes in the Riverina region that could be affected with loose fill Asbestos”. says Duffy.

“Based on population demographics in Wagga alone, this means up to 10,000 private dwellings could require inspection.  We urge owners, landlords and managing agents to arrange for a free inspection by phoning Service NSW on 13 77 88 (24 hour coverage) or visiting http://www.nsw.gov.au/loosefillasbestos whilst the free testing offer from the NSW Government is on the table."

The committee reported that a low take up of voluntary testing for loose fill Asbestos was in part due to a lack of awareness of the scheme and its time constraints.  Free voluntary testing is only available for 12 months.

NSW Finance Minister Dominic Perrottet also announced a financial assistance package for NSW residents who were confirmed to have Mr Fluffy in their homes, providing the same levels of assistance as in the ACT.

A link to the report: NSW Govt Joint Select Committee Report Loose Fill Asbestos

For further information on this release and interview please contact Juliet Duffy on 0407 120 325 www.enviroscience.com.au or Samantha Hain on 0434 994 145. samantha@rimarketing.com.au