Local Government NSW (LGNSW) is helping the state’s councils with their asbestos issues, as Federal assistance stops at the border.

November is National Asbestos Awareness month and LGNSW is sending specialist asbestos management workshops and lessons on the Model Asbestos Policy, to NSW Councils.

LGNSW’s help comes after disappointment was voiced by NSW politicians and residents that the Commonwealth-funded scheme for asbestos-contaminated homes in the ACT will not extend across the border.

LGNSW President Keith Rhoades said the workshops and model asbestos policy on its way to councils was vital in ensuring staff and community safety around the potentially-deadly substance.

“The Model Asbestos Policy was created by LGNSW in conjunction with the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities and aims to assist NSW councils in developing and adopting a sound asbestos policy,'' said Cr Rhoades.

“Since the policy’s inception, 75 per cent of NSW councils have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, an asbestos policy.

“The asbestos management training workshops rolled out since April 2013 have had a tremendous uptake, with 430 staff from 130 councils attending-- approximately 85 per cent of NSW councils.

“The workshops are invaluable to councils and are designed to help them develop, adopt and implement their own asbestos policy, and train staff in advising the public to identify, monitor, contain or dispose of asbestos.

“The workshops have been a great way for councils’ to learn from other councils achievements in asbestos management, such as Holroyd City Council’s free collection service for residents to help them lawfully dispose of small quantities of asbestos from their properties.

“The initiative assisted Holroyd residents from 180 properties to remove a total of 12 tonnes of asbestos waste and provide a reduction in illegal dumping in the area.

“Councils across NSW are supporting Asbestos Awareness Month by registering online at the Asbestos Awareness Website and making information available to their communities in various ways.

“Bega Valley Shire Council will launch its new asbestos policy on Friday 21 November in Eden. The event will feature the appearance of 'Betty', a purpose-built, mobile model house which demonstrates the multiple locations where asbestos might be found. Bega Valley Shire Council staff will also be speaking with tradespeople in their local area to answer any asbestos related questions.

“Wollongong City Council has organised a bus shelter promotion warning people of the dangers of breathing in asbestos when renovating.

“Walgett Shire Council recognised the importance of Asbestos Awareness Month, having had an asbestos threat in October 2013 when the local supermarket, containing asbestos building materials, burnt to the ground. Walgett Shire Council played an important role in keeping the public safe and informed until the building had been secured, made safe, demolished and decontaminated.

“Councils are doing some fantastic work in the asbestos management realm and I look forward to finding out which council will take out the 2014 Asbestos Management Award at LGNSW’s Environment Awards on 2 December,” said Cr Rhoades.

Further details on Asbestos Awareness Month can be found here.