Council reports illegal dumping at Warnervale

Wyong Shire Council has reported an incident of illegal dumping on a small section of its land at the proposed Warnervale Town Centre site.

Council reported the incident to the Department of Environment and Climate Change Hotline following an inspection by staff.

The illegal dumping was reported after staff concerns that the waste, including concrete, metal pipes and building materials may contain asbestos. The exact quantity of the waste material is unknown at this stage.
 
Council has appointed an independent hygienist to conduct a detailed survey of the surface waste to determine if asbestos is present and report their findings to Council. The survey and report is expected to take approximately 2-4 weeks.

A copy of the hygienist’s report will also be forwarded to DECC.

If the independent hygienist finds that the material contains asbestos, Council, in cooperation with DECC, will arrange for its safe removal.

While the site is presently gated, Council is in discussions with adjoining property owners about the installation of fencing to prevent illegal dumping in the future.

Council is currently completing studies in preparation for the future development of the site. Based on the findings of these studies, Council will undertake appropriate remediation work. The discovery of the illegally dumped material is not related to these works.

Wyong Shire Council’s Manager, Business Development, Garry McLachlan, said the discovery and removal of the waste would not impact the site’s future use.

“Council remains committed to delivering the Warnervale Town Centre and Employment Zone to Wyong Shire residents,” Mr McLachlan said.

Media contact: Steve Norris (02) 4350 5191 or 0434 323 782

Page last updated: 07/08/2008