‘What’s going on here?’: Local residents react as park shut down over asbestos
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Public safety is once again under scrutiny as concerns over asbestos contamination continue to surface in local parks.
This time, Linear Park at Mascot has raised alarm after it was suddenly closed off, leaving local residents questioning the situation.
The unfolding developments have sparked a mix of anxiety and confusion, with many asking just how deep the issue goes.
Linear Park at Mascot became the latest site of public safety concerns after being fenced off and marked with asbestos warning signs.
Residents were left anxious and confused when the park, which runs between O’Riordan St and Coward St, was abruptly closed last week without prior warning from authorities.
Brendan, a local resident, shared his concern with 2GB, recalling how he first noticed the fencing going up and signs being posted: ‘I drive past there every day and I think on Tuesday or Wednesday, I’ve seen fencing go up and then they started putting asbestos signs on the fence itself and I’m thinking, “OK, what’s going on here?”’
He added: ‘On Friday, as I went past, there’s a truck parked in the park itself but there’s PVC piping on the ground so I don’t know what they’re actually doing.’
Brendan continued: ‘The issue I have is I’ve seen people walk through that park and I’m just wondering why they’re taking so long to identify it.’
Sydney Water, which owns the park, confirmed the closure was related to the implementation of a Contaminated Land Management Plan.
A spokesperson for Sydney Water explained that work had begun without the necessary approvals from the authority, with an external contractor, UGL, responsible for managing the asbestos risk.
They clarified that UGL had conducted their own assessment, which found no immediate risk to the public.
‘UGL is an independent authority and has not been engaged by Sydney Water,’ the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson continued: ‘Sydney Water will work with UGL to obtain the relevant approvals.’
Linear Park has a history of contamination issues, including in 2018 when Sydney Resource Management (SRM) was tasked with remediating land in the area after heavy metal and asbestos were detected.
SRM had noted that the land had been used for fly-tipped waste and had uncontrolled fill importation, resulting from nearby suburban renewal and high-density apartment developments.
This closure follows a push to turn part of the park into an off-leash dog area, a concept that had already been approved by Sydney Water, with community consultation set to begin soon.
However, plans could face delays due to the ongoing asbestos concerns.
The incident at Linear Park adds to a growing list of asbestos-related closures across Sydney, including the well-publicised closure of Rozelle Parklands in January 2024, which made headlines after asbestos was discovered in the mulch near a children’s playground.
At the time, traces of bonded asbestos were identified and tested by remediation experts.
Following the discovery, further investigations found traces of asbestos at other parks, including Bicentennial Park 1 and 2 in Glebe, Blackwattle Bay Park, Harmony Park in Surry Hills, Broadway’s Victoria Park, and Belmore Park near Central Station.
Both the NSW Environment Protection Authority and Minister Penny Sharpe were contacted for comment.
To better understand the dangers of asbestos and why it's causing such concerns in public spaces, check out this informative video.
Click here to watch!
Source: Youtube/Seeker
As asbestos concerns continue to affect Sydney’s parks, how do you think authorities should handle these safety issues moving forward? Share your thoughts in the comments.
This time, Linear Park at Mascot has raised alarm after it was suddenly closed off, leaving local residents questioning the situation.
The unfolding developments have sparked a mix of anxiety and confusion, with many asking just how deep the issue goes.
Linear Park at Mascot became the latest site of public safety concerns after being fenced off and marked with asbestos warning signs.
Residents were left anxious and confused when the park, which runs between O’Riordan St and Coward St, was abruptly closed last week without prior warning from authorities.
Brendan, a local resident, shared his concern with 2GB, recalling how he first noticed the fencing going up and signs being posted: ‘I drive past there every day and I think on Tuesday or Wednesday, I’ve seen fencing go up and then they started putting asbestos signs on the fence itself and I’m thinking, “OK, what’s going on here?”’
Local park shut down over asbestos fears. Image source: NewsWire/Diego Fedele
He added: ‘On Friday, as I went past, there’s a truck parked in the park itself but there’s PVC piping on the ground so I don’t know what they’re actually doing.’
Brendan continued: ‘The issue I have is I’ve seen people walk through that park and I’m just wondering why they’re taking so long to identify it.’
Sydney Water, which owns the park, confirmed the closure was related to the implementation of a Contaminated Land Management Plan.
A spokesperson for Sydney Water explained that work had begun without the necessary approvals from the authority, with an external contractor, UGL, responsible for managing the asbestos risk.
They clarified that UGL had conducted their own assessment, which found no immediate risk to the public.
‘UGL is an independent authority and has not been engaged by Sydney Water,’ the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson continued: ‘Sydney Water will work with UGL to obtain the relevant approvals.’
Linear Park has a history of contamination issues, including in 2018 when Sydney Resource Management (SRM) was tasked with remediating land in the area after heavy metal and asbestos were detected.
SRM had noted that the land had been used for fly-tipped waste and had uncontrolled fill importation, resulting from nearby suburban renewal and high-density apartment developments.
This closure follows a push to turn part of the park into an off-leash dog area, a concept that had already been approved by Sydney Water, with community consultation set to begin soon.
However, plans could face delays due to the ongoing asbestos concerns.
The incident at Linear Park adds to a growing list of asbestos-related closures across Sydney, including the well-publicised closure of Rozelle Parklands in January 2024, which made headlines after asbestos was discovered in the mulch near a children’s playground.
At the time, traces of bonded asbestos were identified and tested by remediation experts.
Following the discovery, further investigations found traces of asbestos at other parks, including Bicentennial Park 1 and 2 in Glebe, Blackwattle Bay Park, Harmony Park in Surry Hills, Broadway’s Victoria Park, and Belmore Park near Central Station.
Both the NSW Environment Protection Authority and Minister Penny Sharpe were contacted for comment.
To better understand the dangers of asbestos and why it's causing such concerns in public spaces, check out this informative video.
Click here to watch!
Source: Youtube/Seeker
As asbestos concerns continue to affect Sydney’s parks, how do you think authorities should handle these safety issues moving forward? Share your thoughts in the comments.
