Ms Hodgkinson said that Albury City, Berrigan, Bombala, Boorowa, Cooma Monaro, Goulburn Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Narrandera, Palerang, Queanbeyan City, Snowy River, Tumbarumba, Upper Lachlan, Wagga Wagga City, Yass Valley and Young Shire Councils have all been identified as having properties with loose-fill asbestos.

Public meetings have been arranged to provide property owners and tenants with comprehensive information about their rights and options under the Government’s program.

The meeting for Young has been set down for Wednesday, April 13.

“There are 28 identified LGAs in NSW– 16 in southern NSW - where loose-fill asbestos has been found,” she said.

“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 was 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.

The meeting for Young has been set down for Wednesday, April 13.

Details of the meeting will be available closer to the date.