On August 10 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council warned the community to avoid an area at the southern side of the Lake Cathie entrance, due to the exposure of building materials which might contain asbestos.

Council has since confirmed asbestos was discovered at the location. 

The area near the corner of Bundella Avenue and Illaroo Road has been signposted by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council. 

Ms  Verlin said she isn’t sure council is being completely honest with residents about the serious nature of the issue. 

“How do we know if what they are telling us is true?,” she said. 

Ms Verlin and her friend Sue Wonson, who also lives in Lake Cathie, often walk in the area. 

They said they would have already been exposed to asbestos by breathing in the air at the location. 

“There is a probability that we’ve been exposed, and could potentially result in mesothelioma,” she said. 

Council director Melissa Watkins said test results have confirmed building materials recently removed from a combination of council owned, and crown land in Lake Cathie contained traces of asbestos. 

“The area is being continually monitored to remove any additional material uncovered as a result of sand erosion,” she said. 

“We will continue to work with Crown Land and the EPA to organise further testing, clean-up, and long-term remediation. 

“The community are encouraged to stay clear of the signposted area until these remediation actions are complete.”

Council was notified of the materials by a member of the public in late July, and staff immediately followed public safety protocols to remove all visible building material from the site.

A spokesperson from council said it has been suggested the area had been used as a dumping ground for building material resulting from home renovations in the village around 30 years ago.

For more information regarding the material please call council on 6581 8111.

For more information about asbestos visit council’s website at http://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Services/Health-Safety/Safety/Asbestos