Work to remove asbestos from Ross Park is expected to cost at least $80,000, the City of Greater Bendigo says.

The work could cost up to $100,000 depending on the volume of material that needs to be removed from the site.

Tuesday

A KENNINGTON park is expected to be closed until mid-April following the discovery of asbestos earlier this year.

Work to remove asbestos from Ross Park is scheduled to start this week.

Asbestos was discovered at the park, on Steane Street, in January.

The material was initially discovered about 60 metres from the playspace. Further investigations revealed it was more widespread than first thought.

Related:

City of Greater Bendigo presentation and assets director Brian Westley said the health risk to the general public was low, as the asbestos found at the site had been confirmed as non-friable.

"Asbestos is dangerous when fibres are inhaled, although non-friable asbestos is bound and not commonly released into the air," Mr Westley said.

"The remediation works will include the removal of visible asbestos and a shallow excavation of the soil surrounding the basketball court area. This work will be monitored by a soil hygienist expert."

More news:

While Mr Westley said an air quality survey the city had commission found the air in the park was safe, air monitoring systems would remain active during the entirety of the soil removal works.

"Once the contaminated soil is removed the city will bring in fresh soil and turf for the excavated area and new mulch for other parts of the park," he said.

Ross Park is expected to reopen by mid-April, depending on the weather.

"The city would like to thank the community for their patience and we are looking forward to seeing children enjoying Ross Park in the near future," Mr Westley said.

How you can access our trusted content: