Major festival event cancelled after deadly find
Mardi Gras Fair Day has been cancelled four days out from the event after asbestos was discovered in Victoria Park, Sydney CBD.
The organisers of the event, were informed of the site's contamination on Monday, with EPA officers finding positive results for bonded asbestos after undertaking tests earlier this week.
Mardi Gras chef executive Gil Beckwith said that they are heartbroken after the decision was made, but the community's wellbeing is more important.
“Fair Day is one of our most loved events, and is attended by over 70,000 people each year,” Beckwith said.
“It breaks our heart to see this Sunday not go ahead, but given the safety concerns, we must put our communities’ wellbeing first.
“The rest of our festival continues unchanged, offering many chances over the 17 days for our communities to come together in celebration and solidarity.”
Other highlights including the Mardi Gras Parade and Bondi Beach Party will still go ahead as planned.
This comes after the EPA confirmed that there is a widespread asbestos contamination with 22 sites across Sydney being affected, prompting the closure of parks, building sites, schools and train stations.
Asbestos is a fibrous substance that can be trapped in the lungs if it's breathed in, and can lead to an increased risk in developing lung, ovary and throat cancer, according to the cancer council.
Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said that it was an “incredibly disappointing” decision.
“The NSW government and the EPA must make sure this never happens again,” she said.
Asbestos has been found in two other city parks including Belmore Park in Haymarket and Harmony Park in Surry Hills.
The Sydenham to Bankstown Rail Corridor sites including Campsie, Hurlstone Park, Dulwich Hill, Belmore, Wiley Park, Punchbowl and Marrickville have also been affected, with licensed removalists working hard to clear the sites.
Over the coming week 32 more parks will be closed off, as they conduct more tests for contamination.
“We urge everyone to avoid the mulched garden beds and mulched areas under trees at these parks while the inspections are being carried out,” a City of Sydney spokesperson said.
Images: Getty