Erosion at a popular Sunshine Coast beach has uncovered material containing asbestos.
Onlookers were surprised to see people in hazmat suits collecting samples along Golden Beach on Tuesday.
The area was cordoned off and signs were erected, warning of asbestos.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson confirmed the presence of the potentially dangerous substance.
“Material, containing asbestos, has been exposed at Golden Beach at the eastern end of Onslow Street, also known as TS Onslow Australian Navy Cadets,” the spokesperson said.
“It has been covered for a significant amount of time and only recently exposed due to swell and summer king tides in the passage causing shore bank erosion.”
It’s believed the material has been covered by the bank for decades.
“The exact origins of the material are unknown at this time; however, early observations indicate that it appears to be in historical fill,” the spokesperson said.
An investigation and clean-up team has been called in, while large fences and warning signs were placed around the area and people were urged to avoid any material found nearby.
“Community safety is our top priority, so a specialised contractor has been engaged to regularly remove material from the erosion bank and the beach,” the council spokesperson said.
“A section of the beach in front of Jellicoe Street Foreshore Park has also been closed for community safety.
“We ask our community to stay away from the eroded area, not to pick up any material on the nearby beach and report any sightings to council.”
The site is under Queensland Government ownership and leased by the Navy Cadets and Sailing Club.
“Council is actively working with all parties regarding further investigations and ongoing management of the issue,” the spokesperson said.
Sunshine Coast Council identified the issue earlier this week and notified the Department of Environment and Science’s pollution hotline and the Department of Resources as the owner of the state leasehold land.
A spokesperson for the Department of Resources confirmed the presence of asbestos to Sunshine Coast News.
“Coastal erosion on the adjacent bank of Golden Beach has exposed historical landfill containing asbestos,” the spokesperson said.
“The area has been sectioned off from public access while a detailed site assessment is underway.
“The Queensland Government will continue to work with the leaseholder, TS Onslow Naval Cadets, and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to safeguard the area and determine future remediation.”
For more information on asbestos click here.
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