Statement on asbestos-containing material at Newport Lakes

Published on 22 August 2025

Update - Friday 29 August

Removal works were completed on Tuesday.

An environmental consultant completed and approved a clearance inspection, with fencing removed on Thursday afternoon.

The park is now fully open for the public.

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Council wishes to clarify misreporting on the discovery of asbestos-containing material found at Newport Lakes.

An environmental consultant has investigated the areas requested by the EPA last Friday and has since inspected beyond that area as a precaution.

The material was found in a garden bed area in the north-western lawn, not the Arboretum.

The area has been fenced off, with site signage in place, and groups that use the site have been notified.

The product identified is non-friable asbestos, which the specialist has assessed as low risk to human health. Clean-up works are planned to be completed by mid-next week.

We have been working with the EPA throughout this process, and they remain supportive of our approach.