By Justine David
•
March 5, 2024
These organisations - the Northern Territory Government, Australian Government (National Indigenous Australians Agency), East Arnhem Regional Council, and the Northern Land Council (NLC) - are sharing this information with both Yolŋu and Balanda communities. The NT Government, Council, and NLC have been working to locate areas containing asbestos on Elcho Island. This effort aims to develop strategies ensuring the safety of both Yolŋu and Balanda residents from the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, but the risk is significantly lower if you avoid contact with it. Nonetheless, understanding this issue is crucial for safeguarding your family's well-being. To identify asbestos sites in Galiwin’ku, the NT Government, Council, and NLC enlisted the expertise of Agon Environmental, a specialised organisation in asbestos detection and cleanup. Agon Environmental conducted surveys on Elcho Island and documented the locations where asbestos was found. The resulting report from Agon Environmental, funded by the NT Government, Council, and NLC, has been shared with the Australian Government as well. This comprehensive report outlines the locations of asbestos on Elcho Island and provides guidance on creating safety plans for Yolŋu and Balanda families. These reports will be soon accessible on the council website. Asbestos was found on the ground in various places around Elcho Island, believed to originate from old houses constructed with asbestos-containing materials. In the past, before 2009, some workers improperly disposed of asbestos by leaving it on the ground after demolishing old houses, rather than in a secure location. Over time, natural events such as storms and cyclones have dispersed some of this asbestos within the community.