Rozelle Parklands, the new green space that sits on top of the Rozelle Interchange, has been shut just three weeks after it opened following the discovery of asbestos in mulch near the children’s playground.
Transport for NSW, which operates the park, found out about the reported contamination only after a parent discovered material that looked like asbestos in some mulch their child brought home from the park.
Rozelle Parklands are now closed after the discovery of asbestos.Credit: Anthony Segaert
The extent of the contamination is unknown, and asbestos experts were at the site on Wednesday morning taking samples.
“Initial advice from an occupational hygienist who tested samples taken at the site yesterday found bonded asbestos in two samples,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
Early tests, taken on Tuesday, did not find any airborne particles “outside of normal expected parameters”, they said, suggesting it was low-risk.
The mulch will be removed and replaced.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said the council was notified of the discovery early on Wednesday, and had written to the government demanding complete testing of the entire park.
“As a parent whose children have been playing there myself, I understand how concerning this will be for many thousands of local people,” he said.
“There needs to be a thorough investigation, and if it is found that the contractors or suppliers have done the wrong thing and brought asbestos contamination into a children’s playground, then the government should throw the book at them.”
After much anticipation, the parklands were opened on December 17 last year. The nearly 10-hectare site contains 3000 trees, bike paths, two sports fields, wetlands, barbecue facilities and exercise equipment.
The masterplan for the site was announced in late 2022, with the Coalition government promising the park would “heal a scar that has separated Sydney’s CBD from the inner west”.
Previously part of the city’s freight rail network, the park runs along the City West Link, and sits on top of the M4-M8 Link between St Peters and Haberfield, the City West Link, the Anzac Bridge, Iron Cove and the planned Western Harbour Tunnel, due by 2028.
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