Residential properties identified as affected by loose fill asbestos insulation will be managed through a new voluntary buyback program after the current buyback program closes in August.
Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction, Rebecca Vassarotti said homeowners of properties identified as affected from 18 August would continue to be supported by the Territory’s Asbestos Response Taskforce in managing their properties.
“Offering a voluntary buyback program similar to the existing program, that has been in place since 2014, commits to providing a fair and equitable response to homeowners of properties identified after 17 August 2021,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“Government’s Loose Fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication Scheme has identified 1046 properties as either affected or impacted, and supported the demolition of over 1000 of these from the Canberra community, over the last seven years,” she said.
“Since commencement of the Scheme, five additional affected properties have been identified.”
Ms Vassarotti said it was reasonable to assume that more affected properties may be identified in Canberra’s older suburbs after 17 August and continuation of the voluntary buyback measures would provide certainty to the community and support to those homeowners.
Ms Vassarotti said it was still important for tradespeople, homeowners and occupiers to stay vigilant.
“If you think your property may contain loose fill asbestos, do not touch or move the material,” she said.
“Call a licensed asbestos assessor to come out and inspect the property.”
Further information about the management of newly identified properties can be found on the Taskforce website at this PS News link.
