City of Newcastle

Asbestos

We can investigate issues concerning asbestos that present a risk to public health.

Last updated on: 27 January 2026

In this article

Asbestos
Report to us
Not regulated by City of Newcastle
Related articles
Raise a request
Next steps
Time frames
Helpful links

Asbestos

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was commonly used in building materials due to its durability, fire resistance and insulation properties. Manufacturing of all asbestos products ceased in 1987.

Asbestos products pose little risk to health when they are in good condition and undisturbed. However, homeowners must take precautions when removing the products, renovating or doing maintenance work.

FAQs

What is asbestos?

Where can it be found?

Buildings, houses and flats constructed before 1990 may contain asbestos.

Examples of where asbestos can be commonly found in buildings include:

fibro sheeting (commonly found in older garages, bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and external walls)
roofs (including eaves and gables)
vinyl tiles and backing
guttering
drainage and flue pipes
fences and garden edging.

Asbestos containing building products were phased out around the late 1980s and completely banned in Australia in 2003. Asbestos was used in more than 3000 common building materials. To search for products that may contain asbestos you can use the 'Asbestos finder' search function on the NSW Government website.

Other hazardous substances

A number of other substances may be found particularly in older buildings that may present health risks if disturbed during renovation or demolition work including but not limited to:

lead paint (often in paints used in houses built prior to 1970)
synthetic mineral fibres (used for thermal and acoustic insulation, and reinforcing agents)
polychlorinated biphenyls - PCBs (found in older fluorescent light fittings, transformers and capacitors).

Further information on the identification and management of hazardous substances can be found on the NSW Government website.

Removal and handling of asbestos as part of a development application

Persons removing any amount of friable asbestos, or more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos must be licensed by SafeWork NSW.

Conditions of consent typically require that a licensed asbestos removal contractor must be used for the removal of any asbestos as part of demolition that requires development approval.

A Hazardous Substances Audit (and if hazardous substances are present, a Hazardous Substances Management Plan) must be prepared for works that involve demolition. This is a requirement of Australian Standard - The Demolition of Structures.

Removal and handling of asbestos that is not part of a development application

Persons removing any amount of friable asbestos, or more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos must be licenced by SafeWork NSW.

Unlicenced persons cannot remove any amount of friable asbestos, or more than 10 square metres of non-friable as exempt development in accordance with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes).

If renovating it is important to get advice about how to identify, remove and handle asbestos and hazardous substances properly.

Special care and management is needed even for small renovation jobs that don't require a development application.

We recommend you:

treat all fibro/cement sheets as if they contain asbestos unless tested, and
use a licensed asbestos removal contractor to remove all materials containing asbestos.

Notifying neighbours

Prior to undertaking any asbestos removal, Council recommends that you notify your neighbours of the commencement date and duration of the planned work.

Whilst proper asbestos removal practices should ensure neighbours are not placed at any significant risk, neighbours should still be notified of the works as they may wish to take extra precautions such as:

minimising outdoor activities
not hang washing on outdoor lines
closing external doors and windows, and
avoiding the use of ventilation systems that may introduce air from outside into the home.

Disposing of asbestos

Waste asbestos must be transported and disposed of lawfully at a licenced waste facility.
It is illegal to dispose of asbestos by burying it on private land without specific approval.
City of Newcastle's Summerhill Waste Management Centre is licenced to receive asbestos waste.
Be aware that special conditions apply to taking asbestos waste to a licenced facility. You must check and comply with these conditions prior to arriving at the facility with asbestos waste.

Report to us

Concerns about:

damaged or disturbed asbestos materials
home owners removing asbestos themselves without correct precautions
asbestos risks in public areas
asbestos contaminated land.

Not regulated by City of Newcastle

The below asbestos matters are not regulated by City of Newcastle and should be directed to the appropriate agencies or professional:

SafeWork - Unsafe handling of asbestos by paid workers or contractors.
NSW Fair Trading or property manager for tenant concerns about asbestos in leased properties.
NSW EPA - In most cases regulates the storage, transport, and disposal of asbestos waste.
Assessment of asbestos risk or technical advice for private properties - contact an Occupational Hygienist or qualified asbestos professional.

Bulk Waste Voucher - request a voucher to dispose of Asbestos at Summer Hill.
Illegal Dumping - to report asbestos dumped in a public area.
Disposing of Asbestos at Summerhill without a voucher.

Raise a request

Before you begin

When lodging your request, you will have the option to attach photos or other supporting documents.

Location matters!

Providing specific details about the location of the asbestos helps us locate and address it quickly. Please include cross streets, house numbers, or identifying landmarks.

Report an Issue

Next steps

You'll receive an acknowledgement with your request number.
The request will be triaged to determine the appropriate action required.
Once your request has been completed, you will receive a notification. Please note that the completion of your request may mean the work has been actioned or scheduled.

Time frames

An initial risk assessment will be done by an Environmental officer and will generally be actioned within 48 hours. The time period for action is based on whether the request is low, medium or high risk.

An example of a high risk issue could be fire damaged asbestos in or near a public area and low risk may be concern about the state of an old asbestos clad building. If a high or medium risk request is received, we will generally respond within 24 hours as resources allow.

Helpful links

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Asbestos

Asbestos

Asbestos

FAQs

What is asbestos?

Where can it be found?

Other hazardous substances

Removal and handling of asbestos as part of a development application

Removal and handling of asbestos that is not part of a development application

Notifying neighbours

Disposing of asbestos

Report to us

Not regulated by City of Newcastle

Related articles

Raise a request

Before you begin

Location matters!

Next steps

Time frames

Helpful links