FAQs

We found historic asbestos traces underground in parts of Victor Grenning Park while installing a shade sail over the playground last year. As a precaution, we temporarily closed the playground. 

Further investigations found contamination at varying depths across the whole park, so we’ve also fenced off some other small sections of concern and are continuing to monitor the whole park.

To ensure this space can continue to be enjoyed safely, we’ll be remediating the entire park in the coming months. 

Remediating the entire site now will provide a long-term solution, allowing the park to be safely enjoyed by the community into the future.

Yes. The unfenced areas currently have sufficient grass and soil cover, which limits the chance of direct contact with the underlying material. These areas remain safe for public use.

These upcoming works will improve the park for the long term by addressing historical land issues.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials in Australia until the late 1980s. When left undisturbed and covered, asbestos generally presents a low risk.

Council is managing the site in accordance with relevant regulations to ensure the safety of the community and workers during the remediation process.

Historical records indicate that the land now occupied by Victor Grenning Park contained temporary fibro buildings in the 1950s, which were used to house workers involved in developing surrounding suburbs.

When these buildings were demolished, some building materials remained on site and were subsequently covered with soil and grass. Over time, these materials became buried beneath the park.

Our works will involve 2 stages: remediation and reinstatement. 

In the remediation stage, we’ll:

• remove the playground, park fixtures and all trees in the park
• excavate the contaminated soil and old fill material, including the asbestos, across the whole park (an average depth of 600mm will be excavated)
• ensure the asbestos and fill is safely managed and removed by licensed contractors.

Following this, we’ll reinstate the park and features, including:

• installing a new like-for-like playground and shade sail
• planting new trees
• reinstating park amenities like shelters and water bubbler
• laying new turf and landscaping.

Yes. To ensure we remove all contaminated soil, the whole park will need to be closed for up to 12 months during remediation and reinstatement works, including a period for turf establishment before the park can safely reopen. 

A construction timeline will be shared with the community once the contractor and program have been finalised. 

We always try to retain trees wherever possible and have investigated options to do so in consultation with an arborist. 

Investigations found contamination at varying depths across the site. The existing trees have grown within areas affected by contamination, and it is not possible to remove the contaminated soil without causing significant damage to the trees root system. To ensure the contamination is effectively removed, the existing trees and vegetation cannot be retained. 

As part of the reinstatement works, new trees and landscaping will be planted throughout the park to restore shade, greenery and habitat.

New trees will include some advanced trees to help establish shade and greenery sooner. 

Yes. A new playground will be reinstated following remediation works. The community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on aspects of the playground's look and feel; the size and location of the playground will remain the same. 

The park and its key features will be reinstated following the remediation works.

New trees and landscaping will be planted throughout the park to restore shade, greenery and habitat.

All trees within the park will be newly planted, including a mix of advanced and younger trees. While advanced trees will help provide an established look sooner, the park's vegetation and canopy will take time to mature.

There will also be opportunities for the community to provide feedback on some elements of the playground and landscaping, helping to shape the character and appearance of the renewed park.

Works are expected to commence in the coming months.

We'll provide more information on timing, construction activities and any temporary impacts before work begins.

All remediation works will be undertaken by qualified and licensed contractors in accordance with strict safety and environmental requirements.

Measures will be implemented to protect workers, nearby residents and park users throughout the project.

We're seeking community feedback on some elements of the park reinstatement, including playground themes and tree planting preferences.

Your feedback will help inform the look and feel of the renewed park while ensuring the space continues to meet the needs of the local community.

These works will:

• Safely remove historic contamination and ensure the park meets modern safety standards for the long term.
• Restore a much-loved local park for the community to enjoy.
• Improve the quality of the park with new soil, turf, landscaping and tree planting.
• Reinstate important community facilities, including the playground and shade sail.
• Provide a long-term solution that protects the park's environmental and recreational value.