BLUE Mountains Council is facing suspension over claims of a number of asbestos breaches — including at a preschool and library.
NSW Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton has today issued the council a notice of intention to suspend it and have an interim administrator based on “serious allegations”.
Asbestos has been allegedly found at a number of sites including Lawson Library, Warrimoo Citizens’ Hall, Heatherbrae Cottage at Lawson and council’s Lawson and Katoomba depots.
Ms Upton says she is “concerned the council is not functioning effectively”, as it has been issued with a number of notices by Safework NSW and the Environment Protection Authority.
SafeWork NSW has launched a full investigation into the council’s asbestos management, it was announced on Monday.
Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean said he had called on SafeWork inspectors to look into “these disturbing allegations”.
Mr Kean said in a statement the move was a “significant step but ... absolutely warranted”.
He said Wentworth Falls Preschool, operated by the council, had been shut down “until it is safe for the children to return”.
“We won’t cop workers or the community being exposed to danger,” he said.
SafeWork NSW has been investigating about 20 locations as asbestos hot spots.
However, Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill is defending the council and calling the notice of intent to suspend “disappointing”.
Cr Greenhill said he was aware of escalating asbestos issues and launched inquiries into the allegations more than a month ago.
“We have done everything they (State Government) have asked of us — that is remediation, testing, fixing and removing,” he said.
“This is clearly, in my opinion, politically motivated.”
The mayor said the council was one of Sydney’s best.
“We supported our city during the 2013 bushfires, have introduced the strongest local environmental plan, balanced our budged and supported community campaigns on issues that matter to them, like the Badgerys Creek airport — we’re very strongly supported by the community and this will not go down well.”
The council has seven days from the notice to reply, and Cr Greenhill said it was considering all legal options.
This article by Marissa Georgopoulos appeared in the Penrith Press
