Homeowners in Southern NSW are being urged to take up the NSW Government's offer of free sample testing for loose-fill asbestos insulation.
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Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson said there were 28 identified local government areas in the state - 16 in Southern NSW - where loose-fill asbestos has been found.
“Home owners in those areas whose properties were built before 1980 and suspect they may be affected by loose-fill asbestos should contact NSW Fair Trading as soon as possible to take advantage of the free testing program,” she said.
“It's vital to keep in mind that property owners only have until August 1 to register for the Government's Voluntary Purchase and Demolition Program.
“I urge people in the community not to leave it too late. If selling your property in the future, there will be a legal requirement for loose-fill asbestos to be disclosed in contracts for sale and listed on planning certificates.”
Ms Hodgkinson said that Young Shire Council, as well as councils in Boorowa, Yass, Goulburn, Albury City, Berrigan, Bombala, Cooma-Monaro, Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Narrandera, Palerang, Queanbeyan City, Snowy River, Tumbarumba, Upper Lachlan and Wagga City, have all been identified as having properties with loose-fill asbestos.
Over the coming weeks, public meetings will take place in several identified local government areas to provide property owners and tenants with comprehensive information about their rights and options under the government's program.
Young’s public meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 13.
Boorowa will hold theirs the day prior on April 12.
“The NSW Government remains committed to supporting affected communities and to providing solutions to the problem of loose-fill asbestos when it is positively identified in homes,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
The owners of properties that have been identified as containing loose-fill asbestos are eligible to enter the program which involves the NSW Government purchasing the land and premises, or premises only, at market value as if it was free of loose fill asbestos insulation.
The NSW Government has determined that demolition, comprehensive site remediation and disposal are the only options to remove the health risk of loose-fill asbestos from affected properties.
There is also an Assistance Package for owners and tenants of affected properties, which will provide counselling services, relocation assistance, home contents assistance, independent legal advice and stamp duty concessions.
To register for free sample testing, visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call Service NSW on 13 77 88.