Currawong Beach Asbestos Removal

Currawong Beach, known for its picturesque landscapes and historic buildings, has a significant history of asbestos usage. Asbestos, a once-popular building material due to its fire-resistant properties, was extensively used in the construction of many of the suburb’s key buildings, public facilities, and infrastructure. The Currawong Beach Community Centre, the local post office, and the Currawong Beach Public School are among the well-known structures where asbestos was commonly used. The timeline of its use spans from the early 1900s to the late 1980s, reflecting the period when asbestos was a standard construction material. The homes in Currawong Beach are a mix of federation and Californian bungalow styles, many of which were built during this period and thus likely to contain asbestos.

The presence of asbestos in Currawong Beach poses current challenges and health implications. Asbestos, when disturbed, can release harmful fibres which can cause serious health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Prominent locations such as the Currawong Beach Public School, the local government buildings, and historical sites have been the focus of asbestos management efforts. Local authorities have initiated asbestos removal projects, with strict safety measures in place to protect the public during the process. For instance, the Currawong Beach Public School underwent a significant asbestos removal project in 2015, ensuring the safety of its students and staff. Despite these efforts, there have been reports of asbestos-related health incidents in the area. In 2018, a local resident was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which was linked to asbestos exposure from a nearby construction site. This incident underscored the ongoing risk of asbestos in Currawong Beach and the importance of continued vigilance and management.