Asbestos scare at South Perth biosecurity laboratory costs WA taxpayers a staggering amount

The relocation of staff from a South Perth biosecurity laboratory due to an asbestos scare is set to cost WA taxpayers more than $9 million. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development was forced to restrict access to laboratories on Baron-Hay Court in South Perth last June over asbestos concerns. But the full cost of decommissioning the site has only now been revealed in the fine print of the State Government’s mid-year economic review, putting the bill at $9.3 million. “Some staff continue to safely access specific laboratory and research facilities at the South Perth site,” a State Government spokeswoman said. “Other staff have been relocated to alternative locations including university and other DPIRD metro and regional offices. “The $9.3 million includes funding for the relocation of the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre, leases for interim sites . . . asbestos testing and remediation at the South Perth site, diagnostic testing, security upgrades, the disposal of hazardous material, specialist cleaning and moving services for critical scientific equipment.” A new $97.3 million State Biosecurity Response Centre has been built in Canning Vale, but the Opposition says the shift has been too slow. “The mid-year budget review pushes the project beyond the forward estimates,” Opposition Leader Shane Love said. “This is more than just a delay. It’s a clear message that agriculture is a low priority for this Government. “The current situation — a department working out of temporary offices while its former asbestos-ridden headquarters stands abandoned — is a perfect metaphor for Labor’s neglect of agriculture and regional development. “This half-hearted relocation is a slap in the face to DPIRD staff and WA’s broader agriculture industry, which deserves better.” The Government said the presence of asbestos at the South Perth site is being managed “to ensure the safety of staff” and that future remediation will be considered by an incoming developer. A total $35.9 million blowout in the Department’s Budget also included $3 million on efforts to stop the spread of the polyphagous shot hole borer, with another $17.2 million blamed on higher than expected vehicle and vessel costs, lab supplies and software licence fees. The borer has claimed another victim, with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority confirming on Monday that “Lovers Walk” and Mounts Bay Road access to the Kokoda Steps in Kings Park will be closed, due to the need to cut down 12 heavily infested trees on the Mount Eliza Escarpment. The Government said the borer has not been detected outside the current quarantine area, stretching from Secret Harbour north to Yanchep.