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Asbestos halts Oval works

REDFERN Oval's $19 million redevelopment was stopped yesterday after asbestos was found on the site, sparking fears for nearby residents' safety reports The Daily Telegraph on November 22, 2006.

Excavation work on the eastern hill was abandoned about 8am when a team of Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union officials uncovered more than 40 pieces of asbestos reports The Daily Telegraph on November 22, 200.

The suspension of work was a major blow for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who are preparing to return their training headquarters to Redfern.

CFMEU assistant secretary Brian Parker said the asbestos was located adjacent to Redfern Park – a popular recreation spot for local families.

With excavation having started at the weekend, it is feared particles may have been airborne for three days.

"It's a real worry for local residents as well as workers because it only takes one airborne particle to exceed dangerous levels," Mr Parker said.

"The largest piece we found was the size of two hands.

"None of the soil had been dampened, meaning it could have become airborne."

The works are part of Sydney City Council's plans to turn the dilapidated site into a cutting-edge training base for the Rabbitohs.

Featuring a new grandstand, gym, video rooms and retractable fencing, the redevelopment is scheduled to be completed by early 2008.

As work restarted on the grandstand late yesterday, Souths executive chairman Peter Holmes a Court insisted the deadline would still be met.

"The demolition of the grandstand is still going on, so it's not right to say all work has been stopped," he said.

"This is not a major delay. We expected delays and we are sure it will be completed for a return to training in March 2008."

But Mr Parker said excavation would be halted until an independent hygienist cleared the site.

"We've found over 40 pieces of asbestos in a small section of the ground so it's a fair bet there's a lot more on the site," Mr Parker said.

WorkCover inspectors visited the site yesterday and were last night preparing to issue the contractor with a warning notice of proper procedure.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20797247-5006009,00.html