ONE of the least expected impacts of the recent wild weather has been the unearthing of asbestos on the Corlette foreshore.

Now when walking along the public land west of Bagnalls Beach members of the public are confronted with a sign warning ‘Danger Asbestos’.

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The asbestos sheeting forms part of an old retaining wall adjacent to the rock wall and was exposed during the recent extreme weather events.

There are community concerns around the signage warning of the asbestos only being visible from the grassed area and not from the beach.

Econetwork member Roz Armstrong told News Of The Area, “If there is asbestos the temporary signage and plastic tape that has been installed is totally inadequate.”

A Port Stephens Council spokesperson has advised, “Council was notified regarding foreshore erosion in the area and completed a site inspection.

“Asbestos lining was found acting as a barrier filtering through an old timber seawall which had previously been covered in sand.

“The area was immediately made safe by covering material with a geotextile and sand.

“The area was also signposted and cordoned off to prevent access.

“An external Asbestos Assessor was engaged, the area has been deemed safe and a site specific Asbestos Removal Control Plan completed.

“The area will be cleared of all asbestos material prior to the Christmas shut down period.”

The legacy of asbestos being used as a building material and in workplaces is asbestosis and mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the mesothelial cells which cover most internal organs.

Anyone renovating a property who suspects that they may be dealing with asbestos should test surfaces and if asbestos is found have it professionally removed.

By Marian SAMPSON