In a sampling program undertaken between 1989 and 2009, the NSW Government identified 13 properties as containing asbestos material installed by 'Mr Fluffy'. Eleven of the houses were in Queanbeyan, one in Palerang and one in Yass. One premise in Queanbeyan includes a residential apartment block of 38 units.
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The NSW Government and WorkCover have only just announced in August that they have launched an investigation following the recent concern that 'Mr Fluffy' has not been restricted to the ACT regions.
Residents are questioning why the NSW Government is not taking the same measures as the ACT.
A spokesperson from the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities, said the NSW Government is now offering a free testing service available to eligible residents in the 14 local government areas for a 12-month period, for any suspected loose-fill asbestos from homes built prior to 1980.
"This will advise on and confirm the adequacy of risk controls in each of the identified homes," the spokesperson said.
The ACT Government enacted a remediation under the removal program in 1980s and 1990s. During this time, residents, schools and workplaces were able to access these testing facilities.
Yass Valley Council general manager, David Rowe, said that asbestos tests were not conducted in the Yass Valley as there was an understanding that 'Mr Fluffy' was contained to the ACT.
"It has only just recently come to light that 'Mr Fluffy' worked outside the borders of ACT."
ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher believes that 'Mr Fluffy' asbestos is a continuing threat to affected families and a complex challenge for the ACT and Commonwealth Governments to solve.
In her ministerial statement on loose-fill asbestos she stated that they have established an Asbestos Response Taskforce on June 25 this year. Providing a coordinated and compassionate response to the needs of affected families, and is focused on three key streams of work.
"Responding to the needs of families who are living in a home affected by loose-fill asbestos insulation, by administering the Government's financial assistance package; building an information base to share with affected families and the broader Canberra community; and preparing advice on a sustainable and practical long term solution to the continuing threat posed by the presence of loose-fill asbestos insulation in homes."
The NSW Government and WorkCover have taken a risk management approach, providing advice to home owners on effective controls to safely manage the asbestos material in-situ.
While the ACT Government is providing funds into assistance payments, the NSW Government is holding off on any promises for similar action, stating that they will consider the findings of the investigation and possible measures to assist affected householders.
A spokeswoman of the ACT Asbestos Response Taskforce said that the assistance that is being provided to homeowners in the ACT affected by loose fill asbestos includes a grant of up to $10,000 per household for those people advised by an asbestos assessor to leave their place of residence. An additional $2000 is payable for each dependant (child) residing in the home.
"The purpose of these funds is to cover costs of emergency accommodation and other necessities such as food and clothing as well as immediate remediation work," she said.
Ms Gallagher, in partnership with ACT Medicare Local, hopes to ensure there are no out-of-pocket expenses for affected families accessing psychological and emotional support.
Including access to the NewAccess Program to offer support for mild anxiety or depression; and access to the HealthinMind program through family doctors, with any 'gap' fee for the GP visit reimbursed to those registered with the Taskforce.
Neither the NSW nor ACT Governments are looking at financial assistance in the removal of loose-fill asbestos or bonded asbestos in properties.