The National Capital Authority (NCA) has fenced off part of Acton Peninsula to protect the public from possible asbestos contamination.

A member of the community recently alerted the NCA to suspected asbestos surfacing on a walking track that runs next to West Basin around the National Museum of Australia on Acton Peninsula.

Surface soils tested positive for asbestos, but the atmosphere tested negative, meaning asbestos is not airborne, and air quality is safe.

Air monitoring will continue, and the NCA will inspect the whole peninsula.

The NCA is following the advice and protocols of asbestos specialists and assessors. The area has been fenced off to keep the public safe. The fence will only be removed once the experts confirm that Acton Peninsula walking track is safe from exposure risks.

The NCA advises the public to stay away from the fenced-off portion, and apologises for any inconvenience. Meanwhile, people can still take the footpath on Lawson Street to reach the Museum.

The NCA is not aware of the origins of the asbestos nor how long it has been present along the walking track. The NCA regularly assesses national land for hazardous materials, and the most recent survey in late 2019 yielded negative results for all areas tested, including the Acton Peninsula walking track.

The massive rains of the recent months may have eroded soil on the grounds, bringing asbestos buried along the path to the surface.

No asbestos-containing material (including soil) can be considered safe. The risk increases when fragments are exposed to weather, crushing, compacting, and abrasive disturbances to the surfaces through use by pedestrians and cyclists.

The NCA will provide the community with updated information (including remediation plans) once the full testing is completed. Please check the NCA website (www.nca.gov.au) from time to time, or contact the NCA directly on [email protected].