MINNS GOVERNMENT MUST ACT NOW ON ASBESTOS CRISIS IN WALGETT

The Minns Labor Government must urgently resolve a long-running asbestos contamination issue in Walgett Shire, which continues to place the health of residents at risk.  

More than 40,000 cubic metres of asbestos-contaminated material has been stockpiled near homes and children’s play areas in the Namoi and Gingie communities since at least 2023.

The Government confirmed that the material is linked to works undertaken as part of Roads to Home program on Crown reserve land.

During Budget Estimates on Thursday, Nationals MLC Nichole Overall tabled photographic evidence of the massive asbestos mounds and pressed the Minister over the Government’s failure to resolve the issue, referencing a formal letter sent by the Mayor of Walgett Shire last month seeking urgent action.

“For three years, families have been living metres away from mountains of asbestos-contaminated waste,” Mrs Overall said.

“The Minister says the Government is working closely with Council, but when you look at the fact that this issue was escalated back in 2023 and we are now in 2026 without a resolution, it is very difficult to see what progress has actually been made.”

Ms Overall challenged the Government over the delay, the adequacy of remediation funding, and why the material has not been transported to the licensed Walgett landfill.

“Fencing and testing are not a solution, this material needs to be removed and disposed of safely,” she said.

“Council has been advised that around $5 million may be left, but there are serious concerns that this will not be enough to deal with the problem in full. If that is the case, the Government needs to be upfront about it and commit the additional funding required.”

Shadow Minister for Crown Lands, Steph Cooke, welcomed the Minister’s commitment in Parliament to meet with Council but said the meeting must occur without further delay.

“When you have asbestos-contaminated material sitting near family homes and children’s play areas, the health and safety of that community has to come first, and that means removing the material rather than allowing the situation to drag on,” Ms Cooke said.

“The Minister must follow through on his promise to urgently sit down with Walgett Shire Council to establish a clear, fully funded plan to remove this material and restore community confidence.”