Dundas Park and Ponds Creek Reserve North

Project update 2 July 2020

Planned work has been delayed by the identification of stormwater issues within the area, which must be addressed before works begin. It is anticipated that work will begin on or around 20 July 2020. It is expected that the track will remain accessible during this period, and will be closed to the public when work is underway.

June update

As a result of environmental investigations conducted in 2018 (see May 2019 update on this page for more information), City of Parramatta Council has commenced a series of interim works programs and remedial actions at Dundas Park.

From Monday 3 June 2019, work will commence on the western mound area adjacent to Quarry Road. This area has been fenced since December 2018.

Work will include installing an erosion control product and mulch to prevent any asbestos-containing materials such as fibro pieces which may be present within the mound from becoming exposed through erosion. The fibro found during testing was consistent with that often seen in older homes, and in the eaves of homes built before the 1990s.

The works will also involve installing a sandstone block and boulder border.

Work should not affect the normal use of the park and is expected to take no longer than two weeks.

For further information, please contact Council’s Dundas Park Project Team on 9806 5050.

May update - soil testing results

Council and specialist environmental consultants conducted soil testing at Dundas Park and Ponds Creek Reserve North in late 2018.

As these areas had been identified as possibly having received waste products from James Hardie Industries approximately 40 to 50 years ago, consultants were called on to provide information about any potentially hazardous materials that may be present in the landfill beneath the surface, including asbestos.

What were the test results?

The consultants have advised that the site is suitable for ongoing use, subject to the completion of a number of interim and remedial actions. Council will begin implementing these recommendations immediately.

Air quality monitoring results, taken before and during testing, detected no airborne asbestos.

Laboratory analysis of the samples collected during testing found that asbestos containing materials, such as fibro, are present below the surface at various depths in a number of test locations.

In some locations, such as the playing field, Dundas Park South, material was found below adequate coverage and is considered sufficiently capped.

In other locations, such as Ponds Creek Reserve North, additional capping will need to be constructed to prevent asbestos containing materials becoming exposed in the event of erosion.

What are the next steps?

Council will begin planning for works to take place within Dundas Park and has prioritised work to increase the capping on the mound area (adjacent to Quarry Road).

Work will commence on the mound area on Monday 3 June 2019.  This area has been fenced since December 2018. Work should not affect the normal use of the park and is expected to take no longer than two weeks.

Mound work will include installing an erosion control product and mulch to prevent any asbestos containing materials which may be present within the mound from becoming exposed.

Future works program

Over coming months, a range of works from additional soil testing to increasing the capping layers in areas near Ponds Creek Reserve North will take place.

Council will provide further updates and install signage within the park detailing the works program closer to work start dates.

Council staff and contractors will continue regular inspections to monitor the condition of affected areas, and will continue to work in consultation with the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA), including the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), SafeWork NSW, and NSW Health, to ensure that Dundas Park and Ponds Creek Reserve North remain safe.

Council will continue to provide the community with information on its management plans for Dundas Park and Ponds Creek Reserve North. Updates will also be added to this webpage.

Who can I contact for more information?

For information on the test results and ongoing work at Dundas Park, please contact Council’s Dundas Park Project Team on 9806 5050. 

For general questions about asbestos, please call 1800 Asbestos (1800 272 378). Questions about asbestos and health can be directed to the Western Sydney Area Health Service Public Health Unit on 9840 3603.