Historic asbestos at Camellia site treated for light rail depot

BULLDOZERS have moved in to an asbestos ridden site in western Sydney to prepare for the first stages of light rail construction.

Camellia remediation works begin to treat historic asbestos from James Hardie factories in the industrial area.

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A MAJOR step in treating historic asbestos contamination in Camellia has started this week.

Bulldozers moved into place at Grand Ave in Camellia where the old James Hardie factories were located.

The construction and treatment will be in preparation for the Parramatta light rail depot which will be placed on the site.

Infrastructure creation and management company Ventia were awarded the contract to clean the site, and will begin installing an underground barrier wall and capping system.

Transport and Infrastructure minister Andrew Constance said the early works at the fenced off area were for public safety.

Workers at the Hardie BI factory in Camellia, west of Sydney where the light rail depot will now be situated.

“We need to ensure the land is safe and fit for purpose before the future stabling

yard takes shape, so you will see specialist teams on the ground performing this

work,” Mr Constance said.

“We want to mark this symbolic milestone by paying respect to the Darug people as

the traditional land owners and we are very happy to acknowledge their history and

deep connection to the local area,” he said.

From the early 1930s until the mid-1990s, the site was involved in the manufacture and storage of chemicals including chromium-based products and chlorofluorocarbons. It was also

home to an army stores facility during World War II.

Parramatta MP Geoff Lee said the works will also prevent “leaking” to other nearby areas.

“This includes remediation activities to promote the safety and protection of the local

Camellia environment, as well as preventing contaminated groundwater spreading to

other sites and the nearby Parramatta River,” Mr Lee said.

Bulldozers roll in for the breaking ground at Camellia for the light rail project. Picture: AAP Image / Angelo Velardo

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta

CBD with a two-way track spanning 12 kilometres.

Artist's impression of the light rail at Camellia.