Seabrook Reserve in Broadmeadows is under Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) investigation after asbestos contamination was discovered in its grounds.
Hume City Council confirmed the EPA notified council on Monday 22 April that a “small amount” of debris located adjacent to the reserve car park had tested positive as asbestos.
“The small amount of material was in garden bed mulch near the Seabrook Reserve car park,” stated a council in a press release published on its website.
“Council immediately directed qualified contractors, who had already been engaged by council prior to the finding, to attend Seabrook Reserve (Monday 22 April) to begin a thorough investigation of the site.”
Council states multiple samples were collected from across the reserve for further testing.
“The results of these samples will be known within the next 24 hours and any further steps that are required will be made after these results,” stated council.
Council has paused the use of recycled mulch prior to the announcement as a precautionary measure.
“We are working closely with the EPA as they conduct further assessments and investigations,” stated the council.
The Seabrook Reserve opened in March 2023 following a $20m ugrade, part of the council’s record $558m capital works program launched in 2019.
In announcing the planned Seabrook Reserve upgrades in 2019, then mayor, Cllr Carly Moore, said the plan “considers ways to make the reserve more accessible and safe”.
In March, Sunbury Life reported on asbestos at the council’s Riddell Rd tip.
