Asbestos contaminated soil allegedly dumped under Furlan Club, Thornbury carpark

Truckloads of asbestos contaminated soil have allegedly been dumped under the carpark of a popular northern suburbs club, sparking the environmental watchdog to investigate.

The environmental watchdog is investigating after truckloads of asbestos contaminated soil was reported to be dumped under the carpark of a popular Thornbury club, less than 200m away from the Darebin Creek and Fez Wetlands.

More than a dozen truckloads of contaminated soil were allegedly dumped underneath the carpark of the Furlan Club during construction works in late 2022.

The soil was allegedly dumped underneath the concrete carpark of the Furlan club during construction works in 2022. Picture: Google

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched an investigation into the potential contamination site, which sits alongside the Darebin Creek, after concerned reports from a local resident.

“EPA is aware of reports of asbestos in works occurring at the Furlan Club and has inspected the site,” a spokesman said.

“We are confident there is no immediate health risk but investigations are ongoing and as such, we can’t provide any more detail at this time.”

A concerned resident took photos of the contractors dumping the soil in 2022. Picture: Supplied.

After an investigation, the EPA has the power to press criminal charges if there is sufficient evidence of illegal dumping.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting that any illegal dumping occurred.

The Furlan Club is a popular Italian Thornbury venue which has been host to multiple live music events, markets and sporting events.

The venue has been temporarily closed after a fire earlier this year.

The EPA is investigating the potential asbestos site at the Furlan Club in Thornbury.

The suspected contamination site was also reported to the Darebin City Council.

Darebin Mayor Susanne Newton said the council would work with the EPA throughout its investigation.

“In situations like this, the EPA is the responsible authority to investigate and they will advise us of the outcomes of any investigation if they need our assistance,” Ms Newton said.

“At that point, council would then assist as required, provide any advice needed, and then determine next steps.”

Dozens of truckloads of soil was allegedly dumped during the construction of the carpark. Picture: Supplied.

A Thornbury local, who did not want to be named, said the alleged dumping was “really concerning”.

“The club is a really popular space with so many people around it all the time when it is open,” they said.

“Not to mention the site being so close to the creek, it makes you wonder if contaminated water is flowing straight into it every time it rains.”

The Furlan Club sits less than 200m away from the Darebin Creek and near the Fez Wetlands.

The creek is home to several different species of native flora and fauna including the endangered growling grass frog, the wedge-tailed eagle, the short beaked echidna and dozens of other species.

The site of the club and carpark is privately owned and leased by the club operators.

The ownership of the property has changed hands since the alleged asbestos dumping.