All known asbestos is due to be removed from Newcastle East Public School buildings by the end of the year, in a win for the school community.
The calls for asbestos removal were launched by State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and the school community earlier this year, after it was revealed on the first day of Term 1 that friable asbestos had been found in the school’s heritage building during its renovation over the summer holidays.
The Department’s action on this was queried through recent Budget Estimates, where Mr Crakanthorp asked several questions through the Upper House.
In response, it was confirmed that all known asbestos will be progressively removed from buildings by the end of 2020, while artificial turf will be laid on already-encapsulated asbestos in the school playground.
In addition, Mr Crakanthorp’s questioning revealed that $1.4 million has been spent on removing asbestos from the school to 25 March 2020, while almost $150,000 has been spent on replacing potentially contaminated and subsequently destroyed library books and sports equipment.
“This is a big win for the Newcastle East school community, and after the start to the year they had it will be very welcome,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
“I need to thank Minister Sarah Mitchell for acting on mine and the parents’ calls to have the known asbestos removed from this school.
“Ultimately what we needed was some peace of mind for this community, and I’m thrilled that the parent body and I have been able to work together to achieve this.”
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