If you own a home built around or before the 1980s it could be affected by hazardous loose fill asbestos which was widely used during the 60s and 70s as insulation. If your home contains asbestos, its market value might be affected.
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This is important for home owners as the NSW Government is considering how to protect the community from unknowingly buying properties that have loose-fill in them. The options being considered are that sellers would be obligated to confirm in the contract of sale if a property contains or is free of loose-fill asbestos; and a warning notice would be included in all contracts of sale to alert buyers of the risk of loose-fill asbestos in pre-1980s homes.
You may be eligible to have your home checked for free by NSW Fair Trading if you register by 1 August. If eligible, your home will be tested by a licensed asbestos assessor and you’ll receive a report to use if you want to sell your home in the future. If your property is found to contain loose-fill asbestos you may be eligible for financial assistance and other support.
To date, around 60 home owners in Eurobodalla have registered for free sample testing and no properties have tested positive for loose-fill asbestos insulation
The NSW Government has said that demolition, comprehensive site remediation and disposal of affected properties are the best ways to ensure the health and safety of the NSW community. Eligible homeowners may have the option to either sell their land and premises or premises only to the Government at market value, as if the property was not affected by loose-fill asbestos.
The NSW Government’s assistance program is your chance to protect yourself from the financial consequences of loose-fill asbestos and I encourage you to register for the free sample test if you’re not sure.
You can find out more and register loosefillasbestos.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 77 88.
Eurobodalla libraries meanwhile are hosting a special event this Thursday for the young finalists of this year’s Mayor’s Writing Competition. Thirteen young writers, along with their teachers and families, have been invited to join me and the competition’s judges for an award ceremony in the Council Chambers, where the winners in five age categories will be announced.
Please let me know if there are any issues that council can assist with. You can contact me at mayor@esc.nsw.gov.au or phone 0418 279 215. – mayor Lindsay Brown
