Camperdown fire update

Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne today called on the owner and the insurers of a fire damaged building in Camperdown to take steps to clean up the site as a matter of urgency.

Mayor Byrne said following the fire at 101 Australia Street, Newtown, Inner West Council engaged specialist contractors and a licensed asbestos assessor to undertake decontamination measures to remove asbestos from the impacted public domain.

“Our top priority is the safety of the families living in neighbouring properties,” Mayor Byrne said.

“While Council has taken all steps to ensure the area is boarded and secured the building owner and the insurer must fulfil their legal responsibility to clean up the site.

“Council has issued Emergency Orders which required the owners to arrange the clean-up of asbestos debris within the premises and provide an Asbestos Clearance Certificate to Council.

“I am beyond frustrated that they have still failed to do so.

“It is not good enough for them to sit on their hands and do nothing.

“Council has gone above and beyond its responsibilities to secure the site and assist with the clean-up and inspection process and will continue to do so.

“It is imperative that the building owners and their insurers now step up to the plate and ensure the site is decontaminated and cleared.”

Mayor Byrne said Council is monitoring the site on a daily basis until the factory is decontaminated and cleared.