The City of Joondalup continues to work with a specialist contractor to remove fragments of Asbestos Carrying Materials (ACM) from Hillarys Dog Beach.
The likely source of these fragments are the beach shacks that were located along this section of coastline between the 1950s and 1970s.
The beach shacks were made mostly of asbestos sheeting and corrugated iron, and when they were demolished in the 1970s, some of the material was buried on-site.
The City started receiving reports of potential ACM at the Hillarys Animal Beach in November 2021, which was being exposed as a result of erosion of the dunes from wind and wave action.
Since November 2021, the City has been engaging a specialist contractor to carry out regular inspections and hand picking of potential ACM.
In 2022, the City engaged a consultant to develop an Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Preliminary Assessment, with results indicating that ACM fragments were generally bonded, weathered but in good condition.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) has advised that the risk to human health is low.
The City has carried out regular inspections and hand picking of ACM, as well as completing extensive rehabilitation works in 2023 to stabilise the foreshore dune.
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said the City is working with a consultant to develop an Ongoing Site Management Plan (OSMP) for the site based on recommendations from DWER.
“In addition to the OSMP, the City will undertake remedial works at the beach, including warning signage near the affected areas,” Mayor Jacob said.
“We advise users of Hillarys Dog Beach to remain on existing pathways and keep out of the dunes, and if you see potential ACM, please report it to the City.
“It is important to note that the level of contamination per area of land is defined as very low risk by the relevant Department of Health guidelines.”
Sightings of potential ACM can be reported to the City on 9400 4000 or via info@joondalup.wa.gov.au.