Proactive steps to ensure playground mulch is asbestos free
Published on 12 April 2024
Following reports of asbestos contaminated mulch at metropolitan playgrounds, Moyne Shire has taken proactive steps to ensure the mulch it uses is safe.
Mayor Cr Ian Smith said Moyne was already taking measures to ensure community safety before the Environment Protection Agency issued directives to all Victorian Councils.
“We were very confident the mulch we use was compliant and safe for the community, but we wanted to double check and make sure,” he said.
“As soon as the reports started coming in, our teams went to work to ensure all mulch in our playgrounds was in line with certified standards - and just as we thought all mulch supplied for playgrounds meets those standards.
“The vast majority of mulch used in our parks and gardens is produced from vegetation works our teams carry out – so there are no concerns there either.”
Cr Smith said Council was now reviewing processes and procedures to ensure they are in line with the EPA’s latest directions around mulch supply and installation.