Joint WHSQ and Department of Environment, Science and Innovation investigation into asbestos in mulch

Action has been taken by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland to ensure Queenslanders are safe.

A proactive audit program of Queensland companies that manufacture and supply mulch has detected a small amount of asbestos in one stockpile at a business, NuGrow in Ipswich.

WHSQ Inspectors have issued a notice prohibiting the further distribution of the contaminated stockpile.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are working with NuGrow and businesses that may have received the materials.

Arising from the investigations today, the following businesses may have received potentially contaminated soil products between 2 and 26 February 2024.

At this stage, it is not certain that all businesses received the contaminated soil. However, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the public is aware, the list of businesses is below:

• Jimboomba Town and Country
• AGS Civil Pty Ltd
• Apollo Landscaping Supplies
• Brisbane West Earthmoving Pty Ltd
• Centenary Landscaping Supplies
• Diamond Landscapes
• Direct Landscape Services Pty Ltd
• Hervey Bay Garden Centre
• HL Landscapes Pty Ltd
• Hunmac Landscape Supplies
• Landscape Solutions (QLD) Pty Ltd
• Lantrak Logistics (QLD) Pty Ltd
• QLD Bulk Landscape & Civil Supplies
• Steve Jones Hardware Landscape Centre
• Western Landscape Supplies
• WMA Demolition

Initial information indicated that 25 entities received soil products from NuGrow, further enquiries have narrowed this number down to 16 businesses.

Investigations have revealed that soil has been supplied to the following locations of public interest:

• St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, Corinda
• Everleigh Dog Park, Greenbank

The list of potential locations will continue to grow as our investigation into the supply chain continues.

If you have purchased soil product from any of the businesses listed above since 2 February 2024 and you are concerned it may have originated from NuGrow do not disturb the product, and contact the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation on 1300 130 372 for further information and advice.

You do not need to wait to listen for the options. Please press 2 to speak with an operator.

Information on the management of asbestos including the appropriate controls for working with asbestos can be found at the Queensland Government Asbestos webpage.

Media contact: oirmedia@oir.qld.gov.au