A section of a popular Sunshine Coast beach has been closed after asbestos was confirmed at the site last week. Golden Beach was closed, and licensed asbestos assessors were tasked with sampling the material, and the Sunshine Coast Council confirmed signage had been put in place to prevent access.
“Material containing asbestos has been exposed at Golden Beach at the eastern end of Onslow Street, also known as TS Onslow Australian Navy Cadets,” said a spokesperson for the council
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“It has been covered for a significant amount of time and only recently exposed due to swell and summer king tides in the passage causing shore bank erosion.”
“The exact origins of the material are unknown at this time; however, early observations indicate that it appears to be in historical fill,” the spokesperson said.
The council has instigated clean-up plans, it says. “Community safety is our top priority, so a specialised contractor has been engaged to regularly remove material from the erosion bank and the beach.”
“A section of the beach in front of Jellicoe Street Foreshore Park has also been closed for community safety.
“We ask our community to stay away from the eroded area, not to pick up any material on the nearby beach and report any sightings to council.”
The site itself belongs to the Queensland Government and is leased by the Navy Cadets and Sailing Club.
“Council is actively working with all parties regarding further investigations and ongoing management of the issue,” the spokesperson said.
“The Queensland Government will continue to work with the leaseholder, TS Onslow Naval Cadets, and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to safeguard the area and determine future remediation.”