Qld: Asbestos problem in schools
By Paul Osborne
BRISBANE, April 11 AAP - More than 1,100 state schools still had asbestos in theirwalls, ceilings and roofs, Queensland parliament has been told.
Education Minister Anna Bligh said in response to a parliamentary question on noticethere were 1,171 schools on the state's asbestos register.
Ms Bligh said the bulk of the non-hazardous asbestos was in cladding which was maintainedto prevent health risks.
She said the last major inspection of schools occurred in June 1999, but Q-Build regularlyaudited schools and removed potentially harmful material.
"I am advised that no state schools in Queensland contain asbestos which currentlyposes a health risk to students, staff, parents or others," Ms Bligh said.
Asbestos-containing materials have not been used in any schools since 1990.
Queensland Teachers Union spokesman Steve Ryan said he was not aware of any immediatehealth risks, but was concerned response times for clearing problems was slow.
"I am aware of cases where the process of rebuilding is extremely slow," Mr Ryan said.
"The concern we have is that the program needs to be addressed in a way that thereis no delay in those restoration processes."
Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Association president Garry Cislowski saidhe knew of two schools which had been identified as needing the complete removal of theirasbestos.
Mr Cislowski said he understood the June state budget may include funding to cleanup the two schools.
He said audit and management processes seemed to be working well.
AAP pjo/ph/de
KEYWORD: ASBESTOS
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