Asbestos to be removed from Newcastle East Public School

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The friable asbestos found in Newcastle East Public School is due to be removed by the end of this year.  

It comes as a big win for the school community following months of concern for students.

On the first day of term one this year, it was revealed that friable asbestos had been found in the school’s heritage building during a renovation over the summer holidays.

Member for Strathfield Jodi McKay with Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp at Newcastle East Public School.

Following this discovery, State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp called for the asbestos to be removed with support from the school community.

The Department’s action on this was queried through recent Budget Estimates, where Mr Crakanthorp asked several questions through the Upper House.

In response, it was confirmed that all known asbestos will be progressively removed from buildings by the end of 2020, while artificial turf will be laid on already encapsulated asbestos in the school playground.

“This is a big win for the Newcastle East school community, and after the start to the year they had it will be very welcome,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“I need to thank Minister Sarah Mitchell for acting on mine and the parents’ calls to have the known asbestos removed from this school.

“Ultimately what we needed was some peace of mind for this community, and I’m thrilled that the parent body and I have been able to work together to achieve this.”

In addition, Mr Crakanthorp’s questioning revealed that $1.4 million has been spent on removing asbestos from Newcastle East Public School.

While almost $150,000 has been spent on replacing potentially contaminated and subsequently destroyed library books and sports equipment.