With concerns young teens are still accessing the derelict Mullumbimby Railway Station, The Echo asked Transport for NSW if they ‘will ensure that the site is secured and not accessible given the asbestos dangers’.
The historic building burnt down in April last year, and there is yet to be any movement on its future. The Echo reported on the matter again in August last year, which raised concerns that teenagers were accessing the site.
The Echo also asked Transport for NSW: ‘Does this site pose a significant health risk to not only these teens, but the surrounding community? Has an asbestos specialist confirmed the toxin is contained?’
A Transport for NSW spokesperson replied: ‘An independent assessment on Mullumbimby Railway Station was carried out in November 2024. At the time of the inspection, the fencing was secure and the site was not accessible to the public.
‘UGL Regional Link (UGLRL), Transport for NSW’s asset manager, has advised they are arranging for a contractor to re-secure the Mullumbimby Railway Station to prevent access.
‘A monthly inspection will be carried out to confirm the site remains secure moving forward until a long-term strategy for the station has been determined.
‘As asbestos has been identified within the site, it may pose a risk to health for anyone accessing the building without following Safe Work NSW and the NSW Environmental Protection Authority requirements.
‘Living or working with asbestos, or just being around it, is a low risk to health if the asbestos is in good condition and not damaged. If asbestos is damaged and the fibres inhaled, it may be a risk to health. Breathing in a small amount of fibres is unlikely to make a person sick.
‘UGLRL has completed its initial assessment of the Mullumbimby Railway Station and has submitted a recommendation to Transport for NSW for consideration. Transport for NSW will keep the local Council and community informed of its next steps’.
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