Work on the remediation of the Mullumbimby Hospital site will continue well into next year.
Ongoing problems with asbestos contamination on the site have considerably slowed plans for the redevelopment of the 4.4-hectare parcel of land that Council bought from NSW Health for $1 in 2018.
Work started on the remediation of the site in January 2019, and it was expected this would take 12 months to finish but further deposits of asbestos were found.
Specialised consultants have been working on plans to contain and cap contaminated parts of the site along with an environmental management plan which will guide any future development of the site.
Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said it is a time-consuming process because all work needs to be audited and signed off, with the aim being to provide very clear direction relating to future development of the site.
“There is a well-documented history of asbestos contamination in one hospital building and Council was aware of this when they bought it.
“No one was aware of the extent of the problem beyond the footprint of that building,” Mr Holloway said
A Remediation Action Plan for the remainder of the works has been accepted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority accredited site auditor and Council will now prepare a tender to complete this work.
The discovery of further asbestos contamination means that an additional $1.5 million will be needed to complete the remediation works
In keeping with the recommendations of the Mullumbimby Hospital Site Project Reference Group it remains Council’s aim that the property is developed to include a range of housing and some community uses.
Council’s Place Planning team will give an update to the new Council early next year regarding the future development of the site.
Information about Mullumbimby Hospital is on Council’s website.
