Transport for NSW is continuing to undertake targeted testing for asbestos at Sydney Metro project sites where landscaping works took place, in response to the detection of bonded asbestos in recycled mulch at the Rozelle Parklands.
Transport for NSW has fenced off two garden beds within the Nowra Bridge project site after bonded asbestos fragments were found within recycled garden mulch at the site.
Following visual inspections of the sites, samples were taken, with some of these returning positive results for traces of bonded asbestos.
Transport for NSW is working with project contractor Fulton Hogan to prepare a remediation plan to safely remove the material from the project site and to determine if the product used at the site has been used at any other locations.
All impacted garden mulch at the site will be replaced.
Sydney Metro is also continuing to work with its contractors to review sites where landscaping work has recently been completed, including at future Southwest Metro stations and services building sites along the T3 Bankstown Line.
Positive traces of bonded asbestos were identified at:
- Belmore Station, in a landscaped area adjacent to the car park on Tobruk Avenue and at the Belmore metro services building, 200m from Belmore Station
- Punchbowl Station in the rail corridor, in landscaped areas near the station entry on The Boulevarde and at the Punchbowl metro services building, 150m from Punchbowl Station
The affected areas are fenced off and are not accessible to the public.
All asbestos found is bonded asbestos, which is considered low risk compared to friable asbestos.
The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has been notified of all positive results across Transport sites.
Transport for NSW has said that the health and safety of the community and workforce remain its highest priority.
