Australia’s asbestos mulch scandal has spread, with discoveries in a number of Melbourne parks. 

Victoria's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has taken action against Hobsons Bay City Council by issuing two remedial notices in response to rising concerns over asbestos-contaminated mulch found in local parks.

The orders require the council to commence inspections across all parks and gardens under its management that have been mulched within the last year and a half, starting immediately with a completion deadline set for May 10. 

Additionally, the council is required to submit a comprehensive list of all mulch suppliers used during this period.

The issue gained attention when PA Burns Reserve, a popular dog park in Altona North, was added to a growing list of areas suspected of being contaminated with asbestos, elevating public health concerns.

Reports confirmed that new mulch around the reserve's toilet blocks was contaminated with building waste, prompting the EPA to send six samples for priority testing. 

The presence of asbestos in these parks is not isolated, with Crofts, GJ Hosken, and PJ Lynch reserves in the same suburb also under scrutiny for potential contamination.

Premier Jacinta Allan has noted the gravity of the matter, saying; “I understand this is an incredibly important issue for the community to know that, whether it’s playgrounds, whether it’s the removal of asbestos from building sites, that it’s done in a safe and responsible manner”.

The opposition has called for the establishment of an asbestos taskforce, mirroring actions taken in New South Wales following similar incidents. 

The EPA has urged the public to report any suspicious materials to their local council environmental health officer or directly to the EPA on 1300 372 842, and advises against personal handling of potential asbestos-containing materials.