By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
NEW telephone and internet connections in older Geelong suburbs have come to a standstill because of asbestos-lined telecommunications pits.
Cabling contractor Matt Symes said the ban on asbestos work had been in place for several months.
“It’s stopped me finishing a few jobs around the place because there’s still a lot of asbestos around, especially in the older areas,” he said.
“Sometimes we can work around it by putting in a temporary plastic pit nearby but it’s more time-consuming to do that.
“I think Telstra is pushing hard to get it going again but often there’s no way around it and we just have to wait.”
The Independent reported in July that a “significant number” of asbestos-lined telecommunications pits would affect the rollout of Geelong’s connection to the National Broadband Network (NBN) .
Telstra Geelong area general manager Duane Dalton said the company apologised for the delay.
“We’ve worked closely with our contractors to ensure they’re meeting all of our requirements before returning to work, including confirmation of a Class B asbestos removal licence and up-to-date training.
“Our revision of procedures has led to a requirement for licensing of any staff or contractors who may work with asbestos containing material.
“While this review has slowed down our work flow, we’re now getting many contractors licensed and assessed, so they’re returning to work progressively.
“As a result we’re now starting to catch up on our outstanding tasks.”
