Shed 26 demolition halted over asbestos concerns after protest — developers claim it was because of rainy weather
Developers tearing down Port Adelaide’s Shed 26 say demolition was halted because of the rainy weather — not asbestos, as claimed by the union, who allegedly entered the worksite without notice.
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Construction workers demolishing Shed 26 have been ordered off the worksite following a protest to save the historic building.
Representatives of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union entered the site following the 100-strong protest and stopped work on the basis of health and safety concerns.
CFMMEU state secretary Andrew Sutherland said there were broken pieces of asbestos on the ground and workers had been sweeping it up.
“There is no doubt in my mind those workers at least have been exposed to the asbestos,” Mr Sutherland said.
He also claimed there was no site office, signage or toilet on the Shed 26 site.
It is understood that SafeWork SA would conduct a site visit tomorrow.
However, in an emailed statement, Cedar Woods claimed work had stopped because of incoming inclement weather.
“All works are being carried out according to regulations under the control of an Asbestos Removal Control Plan which governs all safety procedures and precautions for the site,” the statement read.
It said the CFMMEU entered the worksite “without notice or authority.”
Despite the protest, developer Cedar Woods – which plans to turn the site into a $160 million housing development – has shown no sign of reversing its intention to raze the sawtooth boatshed.
The protest in front of the shed this morning included Mr Sutherland and local activist Emma Webb, who was part of the original campaign to save Shed 26.
They have asked for the demolition to be delayed to allow for further discussions about reusing the building with the developer.
Former National Trust of the Port of Adelaide chair Tony Kearney praised the “good turnout for very short notice”.
“What we’re after is to sit down with the developer and government to constructively talk about things positively and not just dismiss us,” Mr Kearney said.
Despite the concerted effort from Port locals, Cedar Woods last week began internal demolition and was expected to begin running a bulldozer through the building this week.
It came after a group of prominent South Australians – and international TV architecture authority Kevin McCloud – signed an open letter to Premier Steven Marshall calling for the government to intervene and halt the shed’s removal.
The shed, built in the 1950s, is the last remaining boatshed on the Port Adelaide inner harbour.
The SA Heritage Council in March found the shed met four of the seven criteria for state heritage listing.
Environment Minister David Speirs last month overturned the heritage listing on the basis of public interest – which is within his powers.
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