Authorities were alerted about asbestos-laden mulch installed at a new Sydney parkland a week before action was taken at the site.
Fourteen contaminated samples have been found across the Rozelle Parklands since January 10 after a child brought home material containing asbestos from the inner-city site, prompting their carer to sound the alarm.
The NSW government has been left scrambling to devise a plan to remove the mulch in the 10-hectare park after closing the site following a clean-up notice issued by the state’s environmental watchdog.
Investigations began at the park on January 9.
But concerns about the safety of the park, developed above a controversial motorway interchange and opened in December, were first raised by a member of the public more than a week earlier.
Park operator Transport for NSW said the department became aware of the potential for contamination at the park on January 8 following an email inquiry on January 2.
"The email was sent to a general project inbox from the member of the public," a spokesperson said.
"Due to the Christmas holiday period and minimal staffing during this time, the email did not reach the appropriate team until Monday, 8 January, when it was immediately actioned and the member of the public was contacted directly."
An occupational hygienist began investigations at the parklands the following day, taking material for testing and meeting with the member of the public on site to collect their samples.
Two positive results for asbestos found in a landscaped area near a children's playground were returned in the evening.
The park was closed on January 10, and the local council and the public were informed later that morning.
During a press conference in the same week, transport secretary Josh Murray said the government went public with the concerns "as early as we possibly could".
It was revealed on Monday that mulch used at the park required two rounds of testing before it was laid down, but the checks failed to detect the potentially hazardous asbestos.
Inner West Council mayor Darcy Byrne has called for all the mulch to be replaced with organic, verifiably safe material.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has issued a draft order for Transport for NSW to remove all contaminated material.
A formal notice has also been issued to the mulch's provider to produce more information.
