Statement - Mulch in parks

We know many people in our community are aware of an EPA investigation into asbestos within mulch at a number of locations across Sydney.

We wish to assure our community that Wollongong City Council self-generates the majority of mulch that is used across our parks and open spaces.

This means we know where our mulch is sourced, how it is processed and ensures it’s used in accordance with the NSW EPA Mulch Order 2016. We’re able to document the use of the mulch through Council’s waste classification process.

This practice also allows us to sustainably reuse and repurpose materials collected from our natural areas projects and local tree loppers.

From time-to-time, some projects do require us to purchase additional mulch from an external supplier. We have not purchased any materials from the supplier associated with the EPA’s investigation.

We take the health and safety of everyone in our city very seriously.

Historically, asbestos was widely used in building and construction materials in Australia. Many of our staff are trained in asbestos identification and handling. We have measures in place to manage any asbestos we find in public spaces and on Council land.

It’s important our community is aware of the different types of asbestos as it remains commonly found in homes built before the 1990s.

Should anyone have questions about the EPA investigation, we encourage them to visit the EPA’s website for more details. In addition, Council’s website has a range of information about asbestos awareness and management, and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (or ISJO) website has details of an asbestos collection program.