Funding for Desert Fringe asbestos program

The Desert Fringe Waste management Group have received $97,000 of EPA funding to launch a new asbestos program.

The funding has been used to install 13 asbestos collection sites at transfer stations in West Wimmera and Hindmarsh municipalities.

Attending the launch event in Dimboola in August, EPA’s Mick Bourke said the aim of the project was to increase asbestos safety in communities and this money would make it easier for people in the region to dispose of asbestos safely and legally.

“Asbestos is a potentially hazardous material which cannot be recycled, and it continues to be a concern for all Australians,” he said.

“Between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes of asbestos is still disposed of each year, and it needs to be transported safely to a landfill where it can be disposed of appropriately.

“EPA supports this initiative by the Desert Fringe Regional Waste Management Group to make asbestos disposal easier for people and businesses in remote areas of Victoria,” Mr Bourke said.

Desert Fringe Regional Waste Management Group executive officer Brian Klenmi said the project's aims were to stop illegal dumping of asbestos, ensure home renovators handled asbestos safely and to protect transfer station staff from coming into contact with exposed asbestos.

The $97,000 provided by EPA is part of a $1 million commitment by the Brumby Government to encourage safe handling and disposal of asbestos.

People will be able to deposit up to three 2.4m x 1.2m sheets of asbestos at the points, but any amount in excess of this will need to be transported to Dooen Landfill.

Hindmarsh and West Wimmera Shire Councils will provide the appropriate plastic wrapping so that asbestos can be safely wrapped prior to transportation.

Top