Little Bay Beach in Sydney has been closed to the public after hundreds of asbestos fragments have been identified on the beach since August of 2020.
A local resident raised the alarm on August 2, and within a week, more than a hundred fragments of asbestos-containing material were identified on the beach. They were subsequently removed and tested by asbestos professionals.
The fragments have been removed but keep washing up on the beach, and experts are searching for the material’s cause.
The closure of the beach has come ahead of a planned closure, whereby a detailed site investigation will be undertaken, and samples will be taken from around the area to “better understand any potential contaminants that may be underground.”
According to Randwick City Council, “the detailed site investigation will involve closing the beach to all public access for up to two weeks. This will allow machinery on-site to conduct approximately 45 test pits to excavate and collect soil samples for testing at an accredited laboratory.
“The test results will provide important insight to what is located underground and will help finalise the Human Health Risk Assessment report and provide advice on how best to proceed with the future long-term management of Little Bay Beach.
“Throughout the course of the detailed site investigation, the appropriate asbestos controls will be implemented by our accredited independent Licenced Asbestos Assessor, to ensure the safety of our contractors and the community.”
Beachgoers have been warned not to touch any of the material, which can often look like shells or sandstone.
“If you see anything that you think may be asbestos on the beach, please notify Council, and we will safely remove it.”