NSW Fair Trading Executive Director Peter Dunphy said the Government’s $278 million Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Taskforce had been strengthened after a house in the Lake Macquarie local government area had tested positive for the substance.

"All evidence presented to the NSW Government had shown that loose-fill asbestos insulation (LFAI) had not been used in the region," Mr Dunphy said.

"NSW Fair Trading acted swiftly to assess the Lake Macquarie home, and have now ensured other local residents can also access the free testing regime. This means owners of pre-1980 built homes in the Newcastle City, Lake Macquarie City, Cessnock City, Maitland City and Port Stephens local government areas can now register."

Loose-fill asbestos is raw crushed asbestos (unlike bonded products), which in the 1960s and 70s was installed as ceiling insulation in an unknown number of NSW homes. Over time, hazardous airborne fibres can move from the ceiling into living spaces. Earlier experiences in both NSW and the ACT have demonstrated that simply removing loose-fill asbestos from a ceiling cavity does not effectively remove the hazard.

Mr Dunphy said the NSW Government sought expert advice and determined that demolition, comprehensive site remediation, and disposal are the best ways to ensure the health and safety of the NSW community.

"If your home is found to contain loose-fill asbestos insulation then there are options available, including having your home purchased at market value by the Government, as if it didn’t contain asbestos," Mr Dunphy said.

"Our number one focus is removing this hazard from the community, while also protecting the biggest investment most of us will make in our lifetimes, the family home."

To date, 149 properties have tested positive to loose-fill asbestos across NSW, after more than 65,000 properties have been tested. For more information, and to register testing, visit https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/loose-fill-asbestos-insulation or call Service NSW on 1300 784 379.