Queensland Health Asbestos Site

Queensland Health has concluded an investigation into asbestos-related health concerns surrounding the former:

  • Wunderlich asbestos plant, 51 Prospect Road, Gaythorne
  • James Hardie fibroplant, Corner Longland and Ann Streets, Newstead.

The multi-agency investigation lead by Queensland Health has found that there is no evidence of elevated asbestos-related health risk to residents who have commenced living near the former factories sites in Gaythorne and Newstead since the mid-1980’s, following the clean-up of the sites.

However, the investigation acknowledges that there was likely to have been asbestos exposure in the vicinity of the former factories while they were operational and prior to their clean-up.

The following documents provide full details of the investigation:

Investigation results

The results of the monitoring program demonstrated the airborne asbestos fibre concentrations in proximity to the former asbestos factory site in Gaythorne are consistent with low asbestos fibre concentrations found in other areas of Brisbane.

The epidemiological study found the number of mesothelioma cases in the vicinity of the former factory sites is consistent with what would be expected in the general Queensland population.

What next?

The investigation highlighted some issues of broader significance, which has resulted in recommendations to address the need for:

  • practical solutions to enable safe disposal of small quantities of asbestos waste by members of the public;
  • appropriate management strategies for providing advice to residents in Gaythorne and in other Queensland communities where buried asbestos may be extensively present. It is however important to note that buried asbestos is not a risk unless it is disturbed
  • continued community education and awareness strategies on safe handling of asbestos containing materials.

Health concerns

If you have any queries or concerns, please call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). If you have any concerns about your health, please contact your usual GP or health care provider.

Resources

Gaythorne investigation

General information

Workplaces

Complaints about asbestos handling

In Queensland, there are currently a number of laws that can apply to asbestos issues.  They are enforced by four different government authorities.

To make a complaint or report an incident involving asbestos to the relevant authority, please call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Go to Toptop of page



Last updated: 20 November 2015