Those who reached out were concerned that there hasn't been much transparency from NSW School Infrastructure about the procedure.

They were keen to know more about the extent of the contamination: how many buildings are affected, how much material is being removed, and why it was taking so long to complete (work initially began in March last year).

They were also hoping that someone could provide assurance that the asbestos was completely removed once the work has finished.

We contacted NSW School Infrastructure for clarification and this is their response to our query in full:

The Department of Education's highest priority is the health, safety, and well-being of the students, staff and the local community. The department has one of the strictest asbestos remediation strategies in the country.

Bonded asbestos has been found at Macksville Public School near Block 13, asbestos in this form means it does not become airborne. A remediation plan has been developed in accordance with the Department of Education's Asbestos Management Plan and SafeWork NSW regulations. As a precaution the area near Block 13 has been cordoned off and will remain out of bounds to students and staff until work is completed.

The bonded asbestos was removed on 22 January 2021 and a clearance certificate was received by the department on 25 January, 2021.

Further remediation work at two small buildings near Block 13 is scheduled from 4pm on 29 January until 5pm 30 January 2021.

All remediation work will be conducted in consultation with the school to ensure safety, completed outside of school hours by licensed and accredited asbestos contractors, and monitored by occupational hygienists in strict accordance with all applicable legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines.

Testing will be completed to ensure the areas are fully remediated and the school will receive a clearance certificate before the cordoned off areas are re-opened.

The department will work with staff at Macksville Public School to ensure work has minimal impact to school operations and will continue to keep the community updated through notifications. Community notifications can be found at this link

https://www.schoolinfrastructure.nsw.gov.au/about-us/workingwithus/schools-asbestos-register/schools-asbestos-register-m.html

According to the Asbestos Register which was reviewed in December 17, there was asbestos-containing material found in blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 13, H and G.

But only blocks 2, 4, 13, G and H contained areas which were deemed to have a medium risk status. Most of these were given high priority for remediation works.

In Block 2 "extensive damage" was found in the AC (Asbestos-cement or fibro) sheets in the underfloor voids around the exterior of the building. Both brown and white asbestos was discovered. Minimal damage was also found in the fibro wall cladding.

In Block 4, some damage was found in the asbestos-backed unsealed vinyl tiles in the staff toilet.

In Block 13, where the majority of works have been occurring since September, "extensive damage" was found in the fibro sheets in the underfloor voids around the exterior of the building. Both brown and white asbestos was discovered.

Some damage was also found in the internal unsealed wall linings of the general storeroom.

Minimal damage was found in the majority of vinyl floor coverings in the block.

And in Room 11, some damage was discovered in the internal wall linings.

In Blocks H and G, "extensive damage" was found in the fibro sheets in the underfloor voids around the exterior of the building. Both brown and white asbestos was discovered.

More material is scheduled to be remediated from Block 13 on Friday 22 January 2021 and from Blocks H, G and outside areas near Block 13 from 4pm on Friday 29 January until 5pm Saturday 30 January 2021.

If you would like to add your comments, or ask any further questions, please feel free to email Mel Dee - mel.dee@nambuccaguardian.com.au

Australia Day festivities at Unkya take the cake

Winds of change blow gently through Nambucca's annual awards ceremony