How would you react if the first you learnt your family could have been exposed to asbestos was when a journalist knocked on your front door?
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In a leafy pocket of Torrens, where trampolines and Hills hoists rule the backyards, neighbours were unaware of a botched demolition next door that involved a Mr Fluffy house until they received that knock.
More than a month had lapsed since the alleged contamination breach at 9 Darke Street where at least three workers, including a WorkSafe inspector, were exposed to asbestos-contaminated dust on August 20; yet as of September 23, residents had not been notified.
Neighbours said the house was privately demolished, with a block of three units planned for the land.
It is understood the block was bought by a developer some time ago.
Sarah Tilse lives next door with five-year-old daughter Mia.
She is part of a group of neighbours who were critical of the lack of communication regarding the timing and execution of demolition before the alleged breach.
"A number of us were concerned [about the way the developers were proceeding with the demolition], which is why we put in the effort to find out about it, but [the government] was making it too hard for us to get the information," Ms Tilse said.
Because the demolition was not a part of the government buyback scheme, they found their complaints were bounced around, she said.
"When we tried to complain it wasn't through the same avenues, it wasn't the Government Asbestos Workforce, they said WorkSafe are the only people you can talk to because they deal with private worksites," Ms Tilse said.
"It would still be nice to know more about [the alleged breach]; should we be concerned, do we need to have our furniture tested, I don't know. My daughter could have been playing outside that day."
Arthur Crouch's property backs onto the demolished property.
He said his family received a letter detailing "what days they couldn't put the washing on the line" but he was alarmed no one had been in contact about the incident.
"There are kids there, there are kids everywhere," he said.
People seeking information from the Asbestos Response Taskforce can use these contacts:
Phone: 13 22 81
Email: asbestostaskforce@act.gov.au
Twitter: @TaskforceACT
People who are anxious or concerned can access support through their GP, ACT Medicare Local on 6287 8066, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).
