Little Bay Beach in Sydney closed after asbestos discovery

A popular Sydney beach will be closed to the public for at least two weeks after a number of concerning discoveries.

Beachgoers in Sydney’s south-east will have to find another relaxation spot after concerning discoveries forced the local council to close a popular beach on weekdays for a fortnight.

In August last year, a local resident discovered what appeared to be asbestos washed up on the sand at Little Bay Beach

An investigation confirmed the discovery of the dangerous material, with more pieces being discovered along the beach.

Within a week, more than 100 pieces of asbestos were found along the north, west and southern section of the beach with each piece taken away for testing.

Little Bay Beach will be closed for at least two weeks. Picture: NG Farah Real Estate

Randwick City Council said since then, pieces of material containing asbestos have been found “regularly” on the beach.

As a result, the council has ordered the beach be closed on weekdays for a fortnight while an investigation is carried out to determine the source of the material.

“To allow the detailed site investigation to be carried out safely and as quickly and efficiently as possible, the beach will be closed to public access on weekdays for up to two weeks from Monday, April 26, 2021 and will reopen on weekends,” Randwick City Council said in a statement.

“Every effort will be made to complete the works as soon as possible however, the two-week program is required to provide contingency for potential delays that may result from poor weather or large seas.”

Pieces of material containing asbestos have been washing up on the beach for months. Picture: Randwick Council

Visitors have been urged not to touch any fragments they may find. Picture: Randwick Council

The investigation will involve excavating and collecting multiple soil samples for testing.

“The test results will provide an important insight to what is located underground and will help finalise the Human Health Risk Assessment report and provide advice on how best to proceed with the future long-term management of Little Bay Beach,” the council said.

“Throughout the course of the detailed site investigation, the appropriate asbestos controls will be implemented by our accredited independent Licenced Asbestos Assessor, to ensure the safety of our contractors and the community.”

According to the council, the discovery poses a “low risk” to the community, but has still advised anyone who comes across any suspect material not to touch it.

“Please do not touch, collect or pick up any material on the beach that may look like pieces of fibro sheeting. The material may be weathered and sometimes looks like shell or rock,” the council said.

Since August there have been ongoing “emu-picks” in order to remove any materials that may contain asbestos.

While the exact origin of the material is not yet known, Randwick City Council said it is likely surfacing from nearby gullies which may have been used as landfill sites prior to 1988 when the adjacent Prince Henry Hospital was operating.