Asbestos discovery in civic center kept a secret by the city council

Dubbo, Australia - The Dubbo City Council has been forced to close its civic center after a leaked report of an asbestos hazard discovered earlier this year.

Damaged asbestos posing a high risk was found near the ceiling of the stage area in the building in January. However, the council delayed the cleanup and planned to remove the substance as part of the development of the Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.

Mayor Greg Matthews said he didn't know about the report until now but has called for an immediate investigation to address the matter. According to a risk assessor, there's no imminent danger but Mayor Matthews is being cautious. He said the air quality would be tested before lunchtime on Wednesday.

One councillor said he was outraged that they've had many children in the place, and no one was told that asbestos was present. He wanted someone at the council to be held responsible and punished for it.

Council general manager Mark Riley said council members didn't think the asbestos required immediate attendance

Until the area is confirmed as safe by asbestos experts, performances in the eisteddfod have been moved to the conservatorium.

Mayor Matthews said he thinks the substance has been there for tens of years and maybe even since the building was built in the 1960s.
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