Safety concerns mount on former Camden High School site

Some parents are considering withdrawing their children from schools near the former Camden High School while buildings on the site are demolished to make way for a retirement village.

Some parents are considering withdrawing their children from schools near the former Camden High School while buildings on the site are demolished to make way for a retirement village. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Some parents are considering withdrawing their children from schools near the former Camden High School while buildings on the site are demolished to make way for a retirement village.

The contaminated former school site is less than 100m from Camden Public School and St Paul’s Catholic Primary School. More than 1000 students attend the schools.

Parents are worried students could be exposed to toxic dust or asbestos but developer AEH Retirement Living has assured the community there are no risks.

The grounds of the old Camden High School. Picture: Richard Dobson

The grounds of the old Camden High School. Picture: Richard Dobson

Parent and former Camden High School student Brennan Garbutt said the demolition should be conducted during school holidays.

“I see no reason why the high risk works can’t be conducted during school holidays,” he said.

“There is no way they can assure us that no dangerous fibres or soil will enter our school grounds, it is simply impossible to stop.

“I’m hopeful that the developer will do the right thing and exercise his duty of care and reschedule the work.

“Why should the children have to miss out on school because a big business wants to cash in on their property development?”

An artists impression of the AEH Retirement Village called Camden Central Lifestyle Estate.

A class action against the Education Department alleges former staff and students suffered illness, and in some cases death, following exposure to contaminants on the site.

AEH Retirement Living chief operating officer Michael Rabey assured the community of the site’s safety and said it would be impractical to complete the works during the school holidays.

“The demolition process, including the removal of asbestos is a three-month process. Part of that will go through the next school holidays,” he said

“The process is there to ensure the safety of the public.”

A specialist removal team will clear each building of asbestos one at a time as an independent environmental hygienist will monitor the works.

The grounds of the old Camden High School. Picture: Richard Dobson

Asbestos will be kept saturated as it is collected and immediately bagged, with air quality controllers on-site and provided to schools throughout the demolition.

St Paul’s Catholic Primary School P & F representatives Amber Linden and Michelle Galea believed there was a number of unanswered questions surrounding the remediation works.

“There are a significant number of people that will take their children from school, if we can find out a remediation date, and I will be one,” Ms Linden said.

“We are our children's voice and we need to be heard. Our kids don’t understand the seriousness, so we have to fight it ourselves.”

The grounds of the old Camden High School. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Rabey said remediation on the site would begin later this year.

“The safety of staff, contractors, neighbours and the schools are the chief concern (during the demolition and remediation,” he said.

“The site has been the subject of much controversy and we are here to clean it for the community.

“It will be nice to get on with it.”

The former Camden High School site. Picture: Tim Hunter.

A SafeWork NSW spokesman an asbestos management plan would be in place on the site.

“SafeWork will continue to engage with the principal contractor throughout the duration of the project to ensure all work complies with work health and safety laws,” he said.

Camden Mayor Lara Symkowiak said she understood community concerns due to the site’s history, but had faith the works will be completed appropriately.

“The level of safety measures in place is above and beyond what is normally required,” she said.

“It will be great to see the site activated after no use and so close to the centre of town.”