Public exhibition of the draft Asbestos Management Policy
Update: March 2026
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the consultation period. The draft Asbestos Management Policy was adopted at the Council Meeting on Monday 23 March. The final Policy will be added to Council's Policies, Codes and Registers page. To view the meeting recording, visit the Meetings of Council webpage.
What is Asbestos
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals. These minerals have tiny fibres that you cannot see. Because asbestos resisted heat, fire, and chemicals, it was used to make building materials.
Companies used asbestos to create cheap, lightweight, and fire-resistant materials. These materials were used in homes, offices, and other buildings.
Asbestos fibres can pose a risk to health if they are airborne, as inhalation is the main way that asbestos enters the body.
Where might you find asbestos?
It is estimated that 1 in 3 in NSW homes contain asbestos. It is common in NSW homes and buildings that were built or renovated before 1990. The Australian Government banned asbestos in December 2003. No new products can contain asbestos.
Common places asbestos might be found:
- flooring
- kitchens
- bathrooms
- roofs
- ceilings
- walls
- outside structures like fences and sheds.
For further information on what asbestos is, where you might find it and other resources, please visit: https://www.asbestos.nsw.gov.au/
Why We Need This Policy
The draft Asbestos Management Policy helps us take a consistent approach to managing asbestos safely across our local area. We have legal duties under NSW Government law to:
- protect public health and safety
- regulate development and building work
- manage contaminated land
- control waste disposal.
We work with other government agencies to manage asbestos safely. This includes SafeWork NSW, the EPA, and NSW Health.
The policy explains:
- our legal powers and responsibilities for safety managing asbestos
- general advice for residents who want to renovate homes that might contain asbestos
- our process for approving developments that might involve asbestos. It also explains the conditions we might put on approvals
- procedures for managing asbestos waste in our local area
- how we work with other levels of government and agencies to manage asbestos.
You can view the draft Policy in full here: Draft Asbestos Management Policy 2025
How you can be involved
The draft Asbestos Management Policy was on public exhibition from 3 September 2025 until 3 November 2025. During this time, the draft Policy was available for a set number of days for everyone to view and provide feedback.
Feedback has closed, but if you would like to enquire about this project, please quote 'YOUR SAY SF25/61/69 Asbestos Management Policy' at the beginning of your message and return:
- In person to Georges River Council Civic Centre or Libraries
- Via email: mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au(External link)
- Via post: PO Box 205, Hurstville BC NSW 1481
What happens next
Your feedback will be reviewed and will inform the final version of the draft Policy. When the Policy is endorsed by Council, it will be published on our website.
Do you need assistance reading and accessing this page?
For a free interpreter call us via the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact the National Relay Service:
- Voice Relay number: 1300 555 727
- TTY number: 133 677
Do you need help accessing or reading this page?
-
Call us via the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS):
Phone 131 450 -
Please contact the National Relay Service:
Phone 1300 555 727
