Sydney Playground Fenced Off Again Amid New Contamination Fears
Areas of the children's playground at Rozelle Parklands in Sydney's inner-west were fenced off on Monday, after salvaged railway sleepers were removed for testing. This marks the second closure for the park, which was previously shut down in January 2024 when asbestos was discovered in garden mulch.
Timber Found 'Bleeding' Black Tar-Like Substance
A local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, raised the alarm after noticing the salvaged timbers used in the playground construction were 'bleeding a black tar-like substance and emitted a strong, pungent chemical oily odour'. The resident also observed visible black staining on the timber.
The parklands, built on the site of former disused rail yards by Transport for NSW as part of the multibillion-dollar Rozelle interchange project, were reopened a few months after the initial asbestos scare. However, the latest contamination risk was brought to light by the same individual who first alerted authorities to the presence of asbestos in 2024.
History of Contamination Concerns
In early 2024, the resident reported possible asbestos contamination after their child brought home mulch from the park. Concerns resurfaced in early March when the resident read a plaque at the playground stating that timber used for play equipment was 'salvaged from the Rozelle rail yards that formerly occupied this land throughout most of the 20th century'.
A 2016 transport department report on the former rail yards explicitly advised that 'treated timber, including treated railway sleepers, must not be reused or recycled or used at the site'. The report further noted that timber not treated with potentially harmful chemicals like creosote or copper chrome arsenate would require additional testing to be classified appropriately.
Authorities Respond to Concerns
After the resident emailed Transport for NSW in early March inquiring about testing for hazardous materials, the department responded on 19 March, stating they were investigating the issue. The resident then reported the potential contamination to the NSW Environment Protection Authority on 20 March, followed by communications with senior transport officials and the Inner West council.
A transport department official committed to removing the timber for testing by Friday, but when the resident returned on Sunday, only some had been taken. After further correspondence, the remaining timber was fenced off on Monday. The resident had previously taken matters into their own hands, marking the area with hazard tape from Bunnings and sending pictures to the council.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigations
A spokesperson for the Inner West council confirmed they contacted Transport for NSW immediately after being alerted to the potential contamination last week, offering to erect fencing and signage. 'Unfortunately, fencing or removal were not carried out over the weekend, as had been committed to by Transport for NSW,' the spokesperson said. 'That's why yesterday council workers installed fencing in the area while we wait for Transport for NSW to safely remove the timber and test it. It's important to note that no contaminant has been confirmed.'
The EPA stated it was notified about the potentially contaminated timber on 20 March and has 'reached out to Transport for NSW, who are investigating the community report'. The watchdog is not conducting its own testing at this time.
A spokesperson for Transport for NSW explained that some timber was removed 'out of an abundance of caution' due to its condition and is being assessed. They added that the salvaged timber was installed by a contractor during landscaping work and that Transport for NSW continues to investigate, including the source of the timber.
Background on the Rozelle Interchange Project
A quarterly update from the transport department in August 2023 highlighted that steel rail tracks and timber sleepers from the former rail yard had been salvaged and refurbished to 'celebrate the industrial history of the area'. The timber was intended for use in creating 'balance beam' play elements and walkways around play areas.
In related news, the joint builders of the Rozelle project, John Holland and CPB Contractors, have agreed to pay $150,000 to SafeWork NSW for worker training in safe asbestos handling after taking delivery of contaminated mulch to the site. Both companies declined to comment on the current timber testing situation.
The rest of the park and playground remain open for public use, as confirmed by a council notice posted at the site, which thanked visitors for their patience while works are carried out in collaboration with the NSW government.
