A concerned Cessnock resident says he is happy that his calls to have a stack of dumped asbestos removed from the reserve behind Baddeley Park have worked.
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The Adveriser reported in August that Jason Edwards stumbled across the offending material while taking his children, Indyanna and Ryder, on a bushwalk in the July school holidays.
Mr Edwards said he immediately contacted Cessnock Council who instructed Mr Edwards that the removal of the asbestos was the responsibility of Crown Lands as they were the landholder.
At the time Mr Edwards told the Advertiser that he was concerned for the safety of his children and the wider community.
“It’s just sitting there in the open and if some kids were to stumble across it by themselves, the first thing they would to is open it up to have a look.” he said.
A spokesperson from the Department of Industry – Lands and Water said there were plans to remove the asbestos by early this week at the latest.
“The Department of Industry – Lands and Water investigated the reported illegal dumping of asbestos material at Baddeley Park,” the spokesperson said. “it was found to be asbestos and will be removed early next week, along with other dumped rubbish at the park.”
Mr Edwards said he was pleased with the result however remained frustrated with the fact that it had been nearly two months since he first spotted the asbestos.
“I’m absolutely happy that something has finally been done about it,” Mr Edwards said. “Especially leading into bushfire season.”
“It is frustrating that it has taken so long, though. My opinion is local things like this should be handled locally.”