Dumped asbestos left in popular park for more than five months

Asbestos has been left for months in a popular park in Sydney’s south west close to children’s play equipment and neighbours are worried about the welfare of their children.

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Asbestos dumped illegally in a popular Bonnyrigg park was left just a stone’s throw from children’s play equipment for about five months.

Fairfield City Council first sealed the dumped asbestos in Wilson Park by putting up temporary fencing. Now another fence wraps around the first one, this one fixed into the Earth with concrete.

Asbestos has been dumped near play equipment at Wilson Park, Bonnyrigg. Fairfield Council fenced it off about six months ago, however it is still there. Picture: Tony Ibrahim

Fairfield Council fenced it off about six months ago, however it is still there. Picture: Tony Ibrahim

The material, linked to the growth of multiple types of cancers, is located close to play equipment, the backyards of neighbours and another footpath entrance.

“I’m worried about it, it scares me,” said a neighbour who did not wish to be identified.

“My brother just told me … it gives out cancer and I thought ‘oh my gosh’.”

Even though a footpath extends from her house to the park, the woman and her two children — an 11-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl — take the long way instead.

The footpath on Dowland St to the park. The asbestos is beyond the corner. Picture: Tony Ibrahim

Fairfield City Council did not address questions about how long the asbestos had been left in the park. A time stamped photo obtained by the Fairfield Advance dates the site to May 22, 2019 — more than five months ago.

A photo of dumped asbestos covered in a popular Bonnyrigg park, dated May 22, 2019. The asbestos remains in Wilson Park more than five months later, as of October 24, 2019. Picture: Charles Gream

The asbestos site at a popular Bonnyrigg park as of October 24, 2019. Picture: Tony Ibrahim

Two experts have certified the site as safe, a council spokesman said.

“The material was illegally dumped and council is investigating,” he said.

“The site remains secured as further investigations are made and remediation will be completed in accordance with the independent experts’ recommendations.”

Council’s response did not address questions to do with the quantity of asbestos on the site, or why it has not been safely disposed.

A soccer goalpost with the asbestos fencing visible in the background. Picture: Tony Ibrahim

Play equipment in the foreground, with the fenced off asbestos site in the background. Picture: Tony Ibrahim

Asbestos, an extremely fibrous material that can become trapped in the lungs, has been linked to the development of various cancers, including lung, ovary and larynx.

The material poses a health risk when it deteriorates or is disturbed.

The dumped asbestos at Bonnyrigg’s Wilson Park is sealed off with fencing and is covered by tarps held down by bricks.

The temporary and permanent fencing guarding against a tarp covering asbestos. Picture: Tony Ibrahim

The neighbour who lives nearby worries her kids are at risk living and playing so close to the site.

“I don’t know why they just don’t remove it,” she said.