Asbestos has been discovered on a small area of the Old Darwin Hospital site.

Contractors engaged by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics discovered some asbestos material while removing Coffee Bush from the site yesterday.

The area has been isolated and a specialised asbestos removal company, SLR Consulting Australia has been engaged to prepare a management plan.

Residents in the area are being informed and the relevant information regarding asbestos is being provided to them.

Worksafe and the Environment Protection Agency have also been notified.

Residents and members of the public are being asked to avoid the contaminated area.

Nationally, the Australian Government has created a register to record the details of members of the community who think they may have been exposed to asbestos https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/national-asbestos-exposure-register This register is open to all members of the community.

Helpful FAQs about asbestos are also provided online https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions-asbestos

Media Contact: Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics 89465135.