Asbestos has been banned in Australia for decades, yet it remains present in many older buildings, underground services, and contaminated fill across Brisbane and other Australian cities. The Dutton Park Primary School case serves as a timely reminder that proactive planning through an asbestos pre-construction survey and properly managed, licenced asbestos removal are not optional extras. They are essential for safety, community trust, and legal protection.
The Dutton Park State School/ Boggo Rd Case In Brisbane
In 2024, asbestos was uncovered during excavation works at the Boggo Road Village development, located less than 100 metres from Dutton Park State School. Parents were notified only days before asbestos removal works commenced, triggering significant concern within the school community.
Many families questioned how the asbestos would be removed, what controls would be in place, and why the works were not scheduled outside school hours or during holidays. The lack of early communication led some parents to consider withdrawing their children from school altogether.
While the developer maintained that removal would be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist in accordance with applicable legislation, the situation highlighted a critical issue: asbestos was identified after construction had already begun, leaving little opportunity for community consultation or risk mitigation.
Why an asbestos pre-construction survey is critical
An asbestos pre-construction survey is designed to identify asbestos-containing materials before any ground disturbance, demolition, or building works begin. In cases like Dutton Park, early identification could have:
- Allowed asbestos removal to be scheduled during school holidays
- Enabled transparent communication with nearby stakeholders
- Reduced fear, confusion, and reputational damage
- Minimised the risk of airborne fibre exposure
- Lowered the likelihood of regulatory complaints and legal action
Pre-construction surveys are particularly important in areas sensitive to environmental impacts, such as schools, hospitals, childcare centres, and residential areas.
Licensed asbestos removal is about more than compliance
Although authorities confirmed the work met safety standards and was overseen by a licensed asbestos removalist, parents raised valid concerns. Workers on site wore protective equipment, while children and staff nearby had no such protection. This perception gap often arises when asbestos risks are managed reactively rather than proactively.
Engaging a licensed asbestos removalist after discovery can meet legal requirements, but it does not always address community expectations or perceived duty of care. Early surveys and planned removal programs significantly reduce these risks.
The Consequences Of Inadequate Asbestos Compliance
From a compliance perspective, organisations have obligations under the Workplace Health and Safety Act to eliminate or minimise risks so far as reasonably practicable. Failure to identify asbestos early can lead to:
- Complaints to Workplace Health and Safety regulators
- Project delays and stop-work notices
- Increased insurance and remediation costs
- Reputational damage with communities and stakeholders
- Litigation relating to exposure, duty of care, or inadequate consultation
In the Dutton Park case, the school’s P&C escalated concerns to Workplace Health and Safety, questioning whether sufficient controls and communication measures were in place.
Asbestos may be banned, but the risk remains
A common misconception is that because asbestos is banned, it is no longer a serious risk. In reality, asbestos-containing materials remain widespread in buildings constructed before 1990, as well as in legacy fill and soil. Excavation and redevelopment projects continue to uncover asbestos across Queensland each year.
This is why proactive asbestos management is essential. Relying on chance discovery during construction is neither safe nor defensible.
The value of expert asbestos pre-construction surveys
Global Asbestos Audits specialises in asbestos pre-construction surveys, asbestos inspections, and compliant asbestos management planning across Brisbane and Queensland. By identifying asbestos risks early, we help developers, builders, schools, and asset owners plan safe projects, protect people, and reduce exposure to legal and financial risk.
When asbestos is identified, we work alongside licensed asbestos removal professionals to ensure that removal is carefully planned, compliant, and clearly communicated to all stakeholders.
Learn from Dutton Park: be proactive, not reactive
The Dutton Park Primary School case demonstrates that compliance alone is not enough when asbestos is discovered late. Early testing, clear communication, and careful planning are key to protecting health, maintaining trust, and avoiding costly disputes.
An asbestos pre-construction survey is one of the most effective steps you can take to safeguard people and projects before work begins.If you have asbestos-related questions about an upcoming project, Contact Global Asbestos Audits.