The Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust has discovered a small quantity of bonded cement – an asbestos-related material - in an area regularly used for car parking. Area 2 is bounded by Anzac Parade, Lang Rd and Driver Ave.

There have been no asbestos fibres found in the soil.

The Public Health Unit has advised this morning that based on current information there is no increased health risk to local residents or members of the public who have been in or near the site compared with the general population.

Following consultation with the EPA and WorkCover the affected area will be closed off for several weeks to allow the site to be cleaned, tested and remediated.

The area affects 1200 parking spaces for this weekend’s sporting fixtures. However, alternative parking arrangements are being developed to minimise disruption.

The Trust is treating this matter seriously and has acted immediately and remediation works will be conducted and supervised by an EPA-accredited contractor.

The fragments were discovered during preliminary soil and geotechnical survey tests being conducted as part of the preparation for the refurbishment to improve the site.

The road base is believed to have been there for a number of years. It has been used to stabilise the surface of the area and appears to be concentrated in three discrete zones.

Further information will be available at www.cp.nsw.gov.au as it comes to hand.

For transport information, phone 131 500 or visit www.131500.com.au