CFMEU and North East Link project spar over removal of dangerous material

Tensions have flared after the CFEMU accused the North East Link builder of shoddy practices and failing to keep residents safe.

Families are packing up and fleeing the $15.8 billion North East Link’s early works amid concerns about dust and asbestos.

And the state’s biggest construction union, the CFMEU, has accused the builder of mismanaging dangerous material from an old landfill in a stoush that’s erupted before the main project contract is signed.

The North East Link Authority has assured residents that while asbestos may be uncovered at some stage “no significant material has been found”.

The Bulleen Park and Ride will be located next to the Eastern Fwy off Thompsons Rd. Picture: North East Link Authority

An artist's impression of the new pavilion to be built at Ford Park in Ivanhoe as part of a $68 million North East Link package. Picture: Supplied

But it has offered to shift families near to the Borlase Reserve in Yallambie if they choose, as it prepares for major works next year to build the toll road between the Eastern Freeway and the M80 in Greensborough.

Katie George, who has been representing residents, said her family of five finally took up the relocation due to the constant disruption and dust.

“Some days there would be workers in full PPE kits for asbestos removal without telling us — dust and particles are flying around,” she said.

“The North East Link said the contractors are meeting their environmental obligations under the contract, so that’s that.”

Liusha Zahir said her family of four would also move after their landlord agreed to terminate a rental contract.

“The dust suppression really is atrocious,” she said.

“For family life it’s not a happy life, kids can’t play in the front yard. There’s going to be a power disruption and my husband works from home and we said OK, we can’t stay here.”

Katie and Danniel George and their kids Anna, Ryan and Sam are sick of the dust and noise caused at the site of the North East Link. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Ms George and Ms Zahir’s complaints are backed by the CFMEU, which has hit out at asbestos removal procedures and dust suppression efforts.

Union organise Joe Myles said “we all know that asbestos kills” and accused builder CPB — part of global giant Cimic — of shoddy practices.

“CPB are just another multinational not giving a stuff about workers and local residents health and safety,” he said.

CPB declined to comment.

But the North East Link Authority insists proper procedures are being followed, pointing to the fact WorkSafe has not issued notices of improvement.

Project chief executive Duncan Elliott said Borlase Reserve was a former landfill site but “to date no significant material has been found”.

“Finding asbestos on large construction projects is common and we’ll continue to work with our early works contractor, union representatives and local residents to ensure works are managed appropriately,” he said.

“We’ve been very open with Borlase Street residents that works would be significant and that is why we continue to offer a range of relocation options including a Voluntary Purchase Scheme.”