The State Government is set to introduce a voluntary home buyback scheme which could be a lifeline for locals affected by the Mr Fluffy asbestos crisis.
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Yass Valley Council’s Chris Berry told the Tribune that two local homes have officially been registered as compromised by Mr Fluffy's loose-fill asbestos and that the government's $250 million program will make a difference.
“I think there were some concerns, perhaps by the landowners, around the uncertainty about what would happen if their homes tested positive,” the Director of Planning and Environmental Services said.
“Because of that uncertainty I think they were holding off coming forward and I think that now that that has been put to bed, we might see some other people come forward seeking to have their house voluntarily tested. Then, if it comes back positive at least they have certainty about what the government is going to do."
He said it’s an obvious relief for the owners of the two Yass Valley homes which have already tested positive.
“For the two that have been identified at least now it puts aside months of waiting around wondering what’s going to happen and they now have some certainty about how they can plan and how they can move forward with the government in terms of the buyback, demolition, whether they re-build the site or whether they go somewhere else.”
Wendy Dowling, who now happily lives in Yass, has already been through the process of selling her home to the ACT government. Ms Dowling lived in Holder, in the ACT, when she was informed that her house was affected by Mr Fluffy asbestos.
“I bought that home in 2001 and the property inspection revealed that it had had loose-fibre asbestos in it but that the ceiling had been ‘cleared’,” she said.
“Anyway that was all fine and dandy until the letter of death arrived in February 2014, which basically said all homes were going to be regarded as contaminated and the fun began.”
Ms Dowling opted into the ACT’s scheme in November last year, got her valuation in December, her offer to purchase in January, which she accepted in February and after finding a home in Yass, she had relocated by April.
“It’s been one of the most profoundly stressful experiences I have ever been through and seeing your house in the list of Canberra properties that was released today (Monday), was a bittersweet experience.”
Speaking from experience, Ms Dowling said locals who are affected should act quickly.
“Personally, the best approach is to engage, and engage early with the area of government that is handling it.
“This may not be something that you want but it’s better than the option of being left with the original lame duck of a property and a very expensive demolition bill.”
In a bonus for NSW homeowners, they will be given the option of selling their house and land at market value or alternatively, selling the house but keeping the land.
Andrew Curlewis, of Yass Valley Property, said this was “great” and something locals are likely to do.
“I’ve only had exposure to one client who’s been affected by Mr Fluffy and he didn’t know what to do so I think the announcement is a great thing, it had to be done.”
Mr Curlewis also wanted to remind homeowners not to be alarmed if their house has loose-fill insulation.
“Not all loose-fill insulation is asbestos, there’s no need to panic if you have loose-fill insulation in your roof, you need to get a sample, get it tested and then you know what you’ve got.”
Local residents have until August next year to register for the scheme.