THE financial compensation package for Holbrook homes with loose-fill asbestos would be increased, a NSW government minister said on Monday.
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Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean confirmed this when asked directly if the Greater Hume centre would receive more money than other towns affected by the deadly insulation.
“Absolutely, I think that Holbrook does warrant special attention, that’s why I’m down here today to learn exactly what needs to be done,” he said. “And what we’re looking at is pooling funds, additional funds with the local council to ensure the best deal possible for the residents of Holbrook.”
Mr Kean visited Holbrook, where 33 of the shire’s 37 positive asbestos tests were recorded, to talk to council representatives and affected homeowners.
Under the government’s voluntary purchase and demolition program, more than 97,000 homes have been tested for 137 positive results across the state.
“The magnitude of the issue is far greater here in Holbrook and we want to make sure that we get the solution right,” Mr Kean said.
“That’s why we’re meeting with residents, we’re understanding their concerns and we’re going to tailor a package that meets their needs.”
Mr Kean did not specify when these details would be released.
Holbrook’s Ruth Dinsdale, who has lived in her Peel Street home for 53 years, remembered the insulation being installed in the 1960s.
“We were told it was shredded paper, no mention of asbestos,” she said.
Mrs Dinsdale recently decided not to join the voluntary program, especially as her home’s valuation of $137,500 was well short of the $210,000 she had costed for a new house.
“I’ll be 78 this year and it’s not the time to go into debt,” she said.
“I had only just got my house to the point of ‘OK, this is me for the rest of my life’.
“I had it just as I wanted and then the (positive test) bomb fell and shattered me, it was devastating.”
The Holbrook native queried the merit of the demolition program.
“I just feel that it’s a waste of buildings, we’re short of houses,” she said.
“They can get a man to the moon, so why can’t they take out asbestos and not destroy homes?”
Mr Kean said the best option remained demolition of the homes and remediation of the site.
“It’s the only solution, asbestos is a dangerous material,” he said. “We saw other solutions, like the vacuuming out of homes like we saw in Canberra – it didn't work.
“This is the solution that will ensure public health is preserved.”
