The NSW Government has implemented a program to help rid homes of loose-fill asbestos insulation with the help of NSW Fair Trading. The program, Voluntary Purchase and Demolition Program, will provide free sample testing for loose-fill asbestos to owners of pre-1980s residential properties.
Asbestos fibres that are breathed in pose health risks and the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease depends mainly on how many fibres have been breathed in and for how long. The NSW Government is determined to implement the program to remove the health risk of loose-fill asbestos.
The program is being delivered in four stages, beginning with free sample testing in the identified Local Government Areas in NSW. To find out if your home or investment property is eligible for free testing, a list of identified Local Government Areas can be found here. You must register for the free sample testing by 1 August 2016.
Owners of properties outside of the identified Local Government Areas, while not eligible for free sample testing, can have their property privately tested by a Licensed Asbestos Assessor. If a positive test is confirmed, you may be eligible for a refund of the test and for the Voluntary Purchase and Demolition Program.
For full details of the program and full description of the stages involved, please visit the NSW Fair Trading website.