Parents and the P&C Association at Dutton Park State School are raising concerns about asbestos removal at the neighbouring Boggo Road Village site, where construction is underway less than 100 metres from school grounds.
The school community became aware of the planned asbestos works on 21 October, after which many parents sought further safety details from Stockwell, the project developer, and Education Queensland. The removal work will continue until early November, causing some parents to consider withdrawing their children from school.
Parents asked why the removal could not be scheduled outside of school hours or during holidays to mitigate potential risks. At least 20 parents initially contacted the school’s principal, expressing dissatisfaction with the limited information and voicing an intention to seek alternate schooling if the situation was not addressed.
During a meeting on 23 October, Stockwell initially agreed to delay the asbestos removal to allow for more communication and community engagement and to provide daily air quality reports to parents.
Parents have noted that workers on-site are equipped with safety gear, while children in the nearby school have no such protection. Some parents have even considered temporarily transferring their children to other schools if more safety measures are not taken.
Requests for Clear Communication and Protection Measures
However, by 25 October, Stockwell retracted its previous offer for a community meeting and ceased sharing further updates with the school. According to the P&C, Stockwell cited compliance with legal requirements and resumed work without additional community consultation.
Education Queensland echoed Stockwell’s assurance, noting it had determined the work met safety standards. A licensed asbestos removalist would conduct the work in compliance with health and safety legislation, with the necessary controls to reduce risks to surrounding areas.
The Department also informed the P&C that it would not provide alternate schooling arrangements for concerned families during the removal of asbestos.
Assurances Amidst Community Frustration
Despite the department’s assurances, many parents are demanding clearer, more detailed communication on how children will be kept safe during the asbestos removal process.
Parents have continued to call for further protective measures and clear, ongoing communication, stating that while safety measures are being applied to workers, nearby children and their families also deserve transparent information and assurances.
Furthermore, the P&C has formally requested access to risk assessments and more details on air quality monitoring to ensure minimal asbestos exposure risks to students and staff. The P&C highlighted several queries, including whether the asbestos is “friable,” a term indicating a higher risk for fibre release, and whether the removal area will be fully enclosed.
Seeking further assurances, the P&C lodged a complaint with Workplace Health and Safety, demanding clarity on the Department’s adherence to its duty of care under the Workplace Health and Safety Act and querying the asbestos control measures in place. They are particularly concerned that, without proper communication and precautions, student health could be at risk due to exposure to airborne asbestos.
Published 31-Oct-2024
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