Although there will be a Federal government response to the Mr Fluffy asbestos problem in the ACT, this financial lifeline has not been extended to homeowners in NSW.
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Last week the Federal government announced it would loan the ACT government $1billion to purchase and demolish 1021 homes in Canberra.
The homes contain loose-fill asbestos installed in roof spaces as insulation by the Mr Fluffy company in the 1960s and 1970s.
Although the bulk of work was in the ACT, Mr Fluffy contractors also worked on homes throughout NSW including Queanbeyan and the South East.
Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency head Peter Tighe has recommended the NSW government "immediately" extend financial support to get families out of at least 12 identified Mr Fluffy homes in Queanbeyan and others testing positive across NSW.
Member for Cooma Monaro John Barilaro has called on the NSW government to buy back affected homes.
Mr Barilaro is part of a new cross-party parliamentary committee established to look into the extent of the problem in NSW.
Also on the committee is Labor state MP Steve Whan, who has criticised the Federal government’s response.
“[It’s] left an unconscionable gulf defined by a line on a map,” he said.
"It is absolutely unbelievable that the Federal government has relied on legal advice to shirk responsibility for the asbestos crisis.
“The offer of a $1 billion concessional loan to the ACT is a positive step, but for the same offer to not be made to NSW is unconscionable,” he said.
ACT homeowners with Mr Fluffy insulation are being offered market value as though houses were not contaminated.
The ACT Government hopes to recoup the money by rezoning the cleaned-up land to higher density occupancy, especially those in prestigious suburbs, and selling it to property developers.
Owners who don't opt in by June 2015 will become responsible for all asbestos removal, remediation and demolition costs.
People who want to stay in their Mr Fluffy homes beyond the first half of next year are likely to be forced to seal the homes to the point where they will not be able to use basic items including downlights, fans heating and cooling.
WorkCover NSW is still working with 14 councils to conduct free inspections, including Bega Valley Shire Council.
Home owners concerned about Mr Fluffy loose-fill asbestos should contact Bega Valley Shire Council on 6499 2222.