TEROWIE CONTAMINATED LAND

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:13): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation a question about asbestos and water contamination in Terowie.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: On 26 February, the 7.30 program aired a story on asbestos problems in the township of Terowie. It is reported that the asbestos is not an illegal dump as it is the property of the state government, yet there is no fence or warning signs. The asbestos has been on the site of the old railway station for decades and according to one resident, Mr Dave Perron, the ground is just covered with broken fragments of asbestos. It extends for well over 200 metres from the bottom of the southern platform to the cemetery.

The 7.30 program also highlighted the town's water contamination. Local MP Dan van Holst Pellekaan was informed that the town's water supply has high levels of lead and E. coli and in many cases you cannot drink it. The program received statements from the Environment Protection Authority and the South Australian environment department telling 7.30 that they are meeting later in the week but will not commit to a time frame for the clean-up. At least 4,700 people have died in Australia so far from exposure to the deadly dust and another 25,000 are expected to die over the next 40 years. My questions are:

1. When did the minister become aware of the asbestos problem on this government property in Terowie?

2. What action has the minister taken since becoming aware of the problem?

3. Will the minister commit to a time frame for the clean-up of the asbestos?

4. What further plans does the minister have to fully remediate the site?

5. What investigations are to be taken into the possible health impact for the township and welfare of the people living there?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:15): I thank the honourable member for asking a very important question and one which I can, in fact, answer. The risks associated with asbestos are now widely known in our community. We know that asbestos dust and fibres are highly hazardous when inhaled and can be released into the air when products containing asbestos are incorrectly handled, removed or transported for disposal.

Mid last year my department was informed of a complaint from a Terowie resident about the presence of asbestos building material in the southern portion of a disused Terowie railway yard. This land is under my control pursuant to the Crown Land Management Act. The area of contamination has been plotted by the Asbestos Management Unit of the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, I am advised, which is responsible for managing asbestos-related issues associated with government-owned property.

I am advised that warning signs have been placed around the perimeter of the site. In addition to this, airborne asbestos dust monitoring was undertaken at four locations on site on 4 March 2013. The outcome from the report confirms there is no detectable level of airborne asbestos emanating from the site. A health risk assessment will be undertaken by an independent consultant, which is anticipated to be completed by 22 March. Discussions will then commence to consider longer-term management strategies for the site, including remedial works.

The South Australian Asbestos Safety Action Plan outlines the state government's commitment to reducing death and illness resulting from asbestos-related diseases. Through this plan we aim to continue building awareness in the workplace and in the community about the dangers associated with exposure to asbestos fibres. The plan has also been coordinated and led by SafeWork SA and developed in partnership with key government agencies, local government authorities, industry representatives, unions, the Asbestos Advisory Committee, the Asbestos Victims Association, and the Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia.