A local school has been shut down for weeks following the discovery of asbestos within its grounds.
Liverpool West Public School will remain closed for a number of weeks as more extensive remediation works take place to clear contaminated mulch to meet SafeWork requirements.
The Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda, has welcomed the prioritisation of the wellbeing of students and staff at Liverpool West Public School, which is located in Flowerdale Road.
The Environment Protection Authority has assured that Liverpool West Public School is the only affected school at this stage.
NSW Health has also advised that the health risk level remains low.
Students at Liverpool West Public School will temporarily relocate to the new Gulyangarri Public School in the Liverpool CBD to ensure minimal disruption to face-to-face learning.
“The closure of Liverpool West Public School is extremely disappointing,’’ says Ms Kaliyanda.
“However, the health and safety of our children must always come first. As such, this response prioritises the wellbeing of students and staff at Liverpool West Public School.
“While the presence of this material at Liverpool West is a concern for my community, I appreciate that all the relevant authorities have worked together to ensure a thorough response, with minimal disruption to learning.
“I am committed to providing further updates throughout this process to our community as I receive them.”
The Education Department will continue to follow up with all of its contractors to ensure that no other sites are affected.
“The NSW Government and the EPA is doing all we can to get to the bottom of this breach and we will take appropriate action in response to the findings of this ongoing investigation,’’ said education minister Prue Car.
