A new asbestos policy available to public for scrutiny

Asbestos has been a serious issue for Australians and New South Wales is no exception. With Dubbo recently creating a new policy for minimising exposure to the deadly substance, local councillors are stressing the importance of input from the community. As the community has become more aware of asbestos-related diseases and the consequences of the substance, it is believed that community involvement is crucial in developing an appropriate policy.

Use of Asbestos

Once used as a construction material, asbestos used to be a popular substance found in many homes and commercial buildings. However, it was later found that the material was actually the cause of many diseases, including asbestosis. This led to the banning of the substance in the 1980s. Although it was banned, many buildings still contain asbestos and ensuring the risk of exposure is minimised is essential.

Asbestos policy

This is why the Dubbo City Council drafted a policy to minimise exposure in the region. Based on a model policy from the NSW Division of Local Government, the new policy details ways to ensure the community is protected from the threat of asbestos, covering five major areas – educating residents, managing land, managing waste, regulator responsibilities and responsibility to workers. With 4,700 deaths from mesothelioma recorded since the early 1980s, it is crucial to protect residents and workers from the material and prevent these numbers from increasing.

The six councillors present at the policy announcements endorsed the recommendation to place the draft policy on public exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days and that a further report should be prepared.

How AMAA can help

For more information regarding the new policy in Dubbo or policies across Australia, check out the Online Resources tab or call the Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Association of Australia (AMAA) on 1800 017 758 today.