Blue Mountains News

The conference, presented by Blue Mountains City Council in partnership with Local Government NSW and the Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Consultants Association, will bring together diverse stakeholders from government and industry for two days of plenary sessions, workshops and networking activities.

The program is aimed at people involved in safety management and those responsible for setting the regulatory environment.

It will provide an opportunity for policy makers to hear first-hand of the experiences and challenges of dealing with asbestos and hazardous materials.

Although asbestos was phased out in Australia from the 1980s and its use, sale or import banned in 2003, it remains a significant issue.

Before it was banned, asbestos was used extensively and remains present in many homes and places across Australia, where the threat of exposure continues to be a hazard.

An estimated 4,000 Australians die from asbestos-related diseases every year, four times the annual road toll.

This year’s conference theme is ‘Working together for a safe and healthy future’.

Blue Mountains City Council CEO, Dr Rosemary Dillon, said: “This important national event aims to foster a collaborative environment among local governments, industry and government agencies to highlight the importance of working together on innovative hazardous materials management and WHS compliance.

“Cross-sector collaboration is critical in the asbestos industry to promote environmental and public health. This conference is an opportunity for anyone involved in the asbestos and hazardous materials management systems to come together to share insights and contribute to shaping a safer, more sustainable future.

“By acting together, we can stop further tragic deaths by preventing exposure to asbestos fibres through better management of asbestos in both our built and natural environment.”

The Australian Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Management Conference 2024 will be held on 17 – 18 October 2024 at the Fairmont Resort and Spa, Leura, and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Precinct and Parklands, Katoomba.

The hybrid event offers delegates theopportunity to attend in-person or via livestream. For more information, including the full program and to register your attendance, visit here