12:20 pm, Friday 26 March, 2010

The Education Queensland (EQ) says Cyclone Ului did not disturb asbestos particles at schools near Mackay, in the state’s north.

EQ central Queensland regional director Wayne Butler says trees damaged the buildings at Mackay North and Mirani state high schools, but the buildings did not contain asbestos.

Earlier this month, students and staff at both schools had to be evacuated after ceiling particles that may have contained asbestos fell into classrooms.

Mr Butler says the schools have been tested and are safe.

“In relation to Mirani State High School, a tree did fall against a building and knocked the eaves to the ground and those eaves have also been tested and there is no asbestos in those eaves.” he said.

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05:53 pm, Wednesday 17 March, 2010

Queensland’s Attorney-General Cameron Dick says it is not the Government at fault for an asbestos incident at a north Queensland school. Instead, he shifts the blame to contractors working on the schools.

Last week, Mackay North High School students and faculty had to be evacuated when it was revealed that asbestos particles may have been disturbed during a September 2009 work.

A week before the Mackay North incident, up to 20 Mirani State High School students were ordered to shower in their uniforms because of an asbestos ceiling scare.

“I’m advised that in one instance it was contractors who’d come into the school who had breached very clear and well-known standards for dealing with and treating and working with asbestos,” Mr Dick said.

“That is unacceptable and they’ve already been dropped as a contractor.”

However, Opposition Education spokesman Bruce Flegg highlights the systemic failures.

“This is not just one school – we’re talking about three schools in Mackay – one was under investigation when the news broke about the other two,” he said.

“There are strong national guidelines and they’re not being enforced by the Government in schools.”

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06:05 pm, Tuesday 16 March, 2010

The Education Department has downplayed the fear that students of a Karratha school may be exposed to asbestos.

Particles of the hazardous substance were found while construction was going on at the Karratha Primary school.

Agents of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union traveled to the school on Saturday after asbestos was found at the construction site.

According to the Education Department, the asbestos particles were already disposed of and there are no risks of exposure to the students.

WorkSafe sent two inspectors to the site yesterday, who did not find any need to issue safety notices.

The Education Department says the construction company swiftly discarded the asbestos and in accordance with government regulations.

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