Group claims ‘victory’ over Bells asbestos

ERIN PEARSON
Surf Coast Shire has finally removed an asbestos health hazard at Bells Beach, according to a community group.
Bells Beach Preservation Society’s Maurice Cole called the removal a “victory” for the new group after the shire ignored repeated calls to take away the cancer-causing material.
“The shire has finally acknowledged the problem that has been threatening people’s lives for months,” he said.
“I’m happy to see it gone. Children are no longer at risk.”
Phillip Clark, of international safety inspection firm Bureau Veritas, approved the removal project late last week.
Asbestos threats were now “quite common” in the region, he said.
The Independent reported earlier this month that a damaged drainage pipe was exposing beachgoers to asbestos fibres at Bells.
Margaret Kent, of law firm Slater and Gordon, said the “very potent” building material was previously used widely across the region and was now posing health threats as fibres were becoming exposed.
Ms Kent, the national practice leader of Slater and Gordon’s asbestos group, said any exposure to the material was “potentially hazardous”.