Leonie Kawelmacher, co-ordinator at Alma Bamblett Community Centre voiced fears the community had about how the safety of Pioneer residents would be ensured when excavation of highly contaminated materials from Dave Taylor Park commences early March.

“We don’t understand why they need to disturb the mound. As soon as you open up the ground it makes it dangerous releasing the asbestos into the air,” Ms Kawelmacher said.

Griffith City Council general manager Brett Stonestreet assured that even though an option existed to construct a ‘capping’ over the mound, a decision was made to remove the contaminated materials in the best interests of the project and community.

“Where the project is at is to do the comprehensive option of removing all the contaminated material that is causing concern in the community,” Mr Stonestreet said.

“We have qualified, accredited contaminated material removalists engaged. They must work to very strict standards. If they contravene those standards in removing the contaminated material their business evaporates, it’s as simple as that.”

Argyle Housing have now submitted the first development application for the ambitious project which will involve 20 affordable dwellings being built as part of Stage One. CEO of Argyle Housing Wendy Middleton, said that while building affordable housing is vital in Griffith, she had taken on board residents’ comments around density of the proposed plans.

“There is such a need for affordable housing in Griffith. I see the other side of this where people who are working living in cars and on couches because they can’t get a private rental,” Ms Middleton said.

“I take on board the density concerns and I’ll take it back to the planning group and have a discussion.”

Recent changes to the Griffin Green project plan to include a basketball court for Pioneer children resulted from the first community consultation held at Dave Taylor Park in December 2020.

Mr Stonestreet said Council were satisfied that engaging the community well before development applications were submitted ensured feedback from the community was considered.

“We’ve been out here on site well before Christmas, where I made a presentation of the project where the essential components haven’t changed. At that meeting the importance of the basketball court was certainly brought to us, and that’s now been included in the plan.”