The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in contact with Hobsons Bay City Council regarding reports of mulch at Donald McLean Reserve in Spotswood that may contain demolition building materials. An EPA spokeswoman stated that the agency has visited the site and is satisfied with the actions taken by the council. The park, which opened in April last year as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, has raised concerns after Melbourne father Jason Murphy reported seeing insulated wires, brick and concrete chunks, plywood, wood with nails, and unknown composite material in the mulch. Murphy expressed concern about the safety of children playing in the park and stated that he would not take his kids back until the issue is resolved.
In a separate incident, the EPA warned Victorians to avoid mulch advertised on Facebook marketplace and Gumtree, after asbestos was found in free mulch provided to a resident in Melbourne’s east. Following a similar scandal in NSW and Queensland, the EPA is investigating the source of the contaminated mulch provided to the Heathmont resident last year. The agency emphasized the importance of buying mulch from reliable sources to avoid contamination, and urged the public to be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. The investigation by the EPA revealed that no asbestos was found in garden mulch from 59 commercial producers inspected in March, although six operators were warned to improve controls to prevent contamination.
Recent incidents of asbestos contamination have raised concerns about the mishandling of hazardous materials in Victoria. Parents from the Upwey High School and Upwey Primary School community were informed of possible asbestos found on a redeveloped school oval in Melbourne’s outer east after it was used as a temporary car park by VicTrack. Following the NSW crisis, Queensland authorities conducted proactive testing and found asbestos traces at a dog park and a state school. The EPA in Victoria has taken legal action in eight matters in the current financial year, including two criminal and two civil cases related to asbestos mishandling. Businesses found guilty of mishandling asbestos can face penalties of up to $2 million.
The EPA encourages individuals to report mulch suspected of containing asbestos or instances of illegal dumping of materials to the agency’s contact center or email. The agency’s director of regulatory services, Duncan Pendrigh, stressed the importance of ensuring high standards and quality checks in the production and distribution of mulch to prevent contamination. The EPA’s proactive measures include inspecting commercial mulch producers to verify the absence of asbestos and issuing warnings to operators to improve controls. The community is advised to remain vigilant and cautious when sourcing mulch for gardening to avoid health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
The incidents of mulch contamination in Victoria highlight the need for increased awareness and regulation of hazardous materials in public spaces and residential areas. The EPA’s actions to investigate and address instances of contamination demonstrate a commitment to protecting public health and the environment. Community members are urged to report any suspicious materials or practices to the EPA to prevent further incidents of asbestos exposure and illegal dumping. By working together with government agencies and following guidelines for safe disposal and handling of materials, individuals can contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents of Victoria.
