Asbestos found at two more parks in Melbourne’s west

The dumping scandal continues to grow, with The Victorian Environmental protection Authority revealing two more locations in the Hobsons Bay City Council area are contaminated.

The EPA has moved to set up a specialist working group to deal with the growing dumping scandal. Picture: Diego Fedele

Asbestos has been found at two more parks in Melbourne’s west as the dumping scandal continues to grow.

The Victorian Environmental protection Authority on Wednesday revealed two more locations in the Hobsons Bay City Council area with contamination.

Asbestos was found at Laverton Creek in Altona Meadows at the rear of AB Shaw Reserve, and in the mulch at the site with asbestos found on exposed soil at Doug Grant Reserve.

The finds bring the tally of contaminated locations to 11.

There have been 11 contaminated sites uncovered already. Picture: Diego Fedele

The council is planning on including these sites in their “clean up program” at locations where asbestos contamination has been confirmed.

Another five sites in the council area awaiting test results and are blocked off to the public.

The EPA has moved to set up a specialist working group to deal with the growing dumping scandal after pressure was mounting to take more action.

It came after Premier Jacinta Allan had shut down suggestions that Victoria would need a separate taskforce to investigate.

Ms Allan said the EPA already had “rigorous powers” and tough restrictions around mulch dumping.

“The EPA has very strong powers and resources,” she said.

“That’s evidenced by the fact they already went out and undertook a number of site inspections. We need to let the EPA do the work they’re doing right now.”