STANTHORPE Civic Centre restoration works planning is progressing well, following a fire which damaged the building earlier this year.
Southern Downs Regional Council’s community facilities manager Michael Bell said the council had appointed a project manager and called for quotations from contractors, including local tradespersons, to undertake the necessary restoration works.
“It is anticipated that a decision will be made fairly shortly after the quotation period closes, to ensure tradespersons are placed on the ground as quickly as possible,” he said.
“However, we have been advised by the project manager that the ceiling panels in the building are likely to be low density asbestos fibre board, and we’re currently awaiting results from a hygienist to confirm if this is the case.
“Should the ceiling panels be confirmed as low density asbestos fibre board, appropriate precautions and controls would need to be actioned to mitigate the potential for fibres to be released during the removal process.
“Up to this point there has been a low risk associated with the damage to the centre, as the fabric of the building has not been disturbed.
“From this point on, a number of precautionary measures will be put in place to manage and mitigate any potential risks.
“The area will be taped and signed as being asbestos contaminated; access will only be permitted through the use of appropriate personal protective equipment such as a respirator and coveralls.
“The council’s aim is to keep the public informed of progress and of these precautionary measures in order to minimise any alarm, particularly regarding the asbestos hazard signage that will soon be installed.
“The council is working towards having the Civic Centre fully re-opened by January 2017, and we thank the public for their continued patience during the restoration process,” Mr Bell said.
