Asbestos Management in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley
Expert asbestos services to identify, assess, and manage risk — supporting safe projects and full regulatory compliance.
Trusted Asbestos Assessment, Management & Compliance – Newcastle & the Hunter Valley
At Confluence Environmental, we provide comprehensive asbestos management services across Newcastle and the Hunter Region, supporting builders, developers, councils, property managers, and homeowners. Whether you're planning a renovation, submitting a development application (DA), responding to a council or SafeWork NSW directive, or managing asbestos in an ageing property, we deliver expert, independent support that keeps your project compliant and your people safe.
Our team includes SafeWork NSW Licensed Asbestos Assessors and experienced environmental consultants specialising in asbestos inspections, registers, testing, air monitoring, and remediation planning. We help clients across the region meet their legal obligations under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 and relevant Codes of Practice.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction throughout Newcastle, the Hunter, and greater NSW due to its fire resistance, strength, and insulation properties. It was commonly used in roofing, walls, eaves, ceilings, insulation, vinyl flooring, adhesives, and pipe lagging — particularly in buildings constructed before 1990.
When disturbed, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can release tiny airborne fibres that, when inhaled, pose serious health risks including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Today, identifying and managing asbestos risks is essential for any renovation, demolition, or property transfer in the region.
Types of Asbestos & Risk Management
Bonded Asbestos (Non-Friable)
Found in fibro sheeting, eaves, vinyl tiles, and compressed boards
Fibres are bound in a solid matrix like cement
Generally low-risk when intact but hazardous when cut, drilled, or damaged
Friable Asbestos
Loosely bound and crumbles easily (e.g. pipe lagging, insulation)
Much higher risk due to airborne fibre release
Requires strict containment and Class A licensed removal
Our Asbestos Services in Newcastle & the Hunter
Asbestos Surveys & Registers
Management and refurbishment/demolition surveys
Identification of bonded and friable asbestos
Lab-tested samples, photo documentation, and risk assessments
Compliant asbestos registers and optional Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs)
Asbestos in Soil Investigations
Soil sampling and analysis for visible and microscopic ACM fragments
Common on fire-damaged sites, legacy fill areas, and former industrial land
EPA-compliant remediation strategies and validation reporting
Air Monitoring & Clearance Certification
Air fibre monitoring before, during, or after asbestos works
Control monitoring to ensure WHS compliance
Clearance inspections and final certification by licensed assessors
Asbestos Removal Oversight & Project Management
Independent supervision of licensed asbestos contractors
Liaison with SafeWork NSW, councils, and stakeholders
Documentation to support DA submissions and WHS compliance
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found in Newcastle & the Hunter
In Buildings:
Wall and ceiling sheeting, roofing, and eaves
Floor tiles, adhesives, and vinyl underlays
Electrical switchboards and fuse backings
In Soil and External Areas:
Beneath garages, lean-tos, and sheds
In backfilled or dumped material
At fire-damaged or demolished properties
In Industrial Sites:
Pipe lagging, insulation wraps, and gaskets
Machinery housings and fireproofing materials
Spray coatings and compressed lining boards
Why Choose Confluence Environmental?
Licensed, experienced asbestos assessors based in NSW
Independent consulting — we don’t sell asbestos removal services
Reports that are clear, accurate, and compliant with DA, WHS, and council needs
Strong local knowledge of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, and surrounding LGAs
Fast turnaround, fixed-fee quotes, and no upselling
Servicing the Newcastle & Hunter Region
Including:
Newcastle
Lake Macquarie
Maitland
Cessnock
Singleton
Port Stephens
Muswellbrook
Upper Hunter and surrounding areas
Ready to Manage Asbestos Safely and Compliantly in Newcaslte and the Hunter Valley?
Whether you're planning a renovation, lodging a DA, or responding to WHS or council requirements — Confluence Environmental is here to help.
We deliver independent, expert asbestos inspections, registers, and compliance advice across NSW.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Asbestos Management
Q: Do I need an asbestos register for my building?
If your building was constructed before 2004 and is used as a workplace, you are legally required under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 to maintain an asbestos register. This includes commercial, industrial, and government properties. A compliant asbestos register must identify the location, condition, and risk of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present.
Q: What is the difference between friable and bonded asbestos?
Bonded asbestos (non-friable) has fibres tightly bound in a solid matrix like cement. It is commonly found in fibro sheeting, vinyl tiles, and roofing.
Friable asbestos is loose or crumbles easily, often found in insulation, pipe lagging, and fireproofing. It poses a higher risk and requires strict controls and licensed removal.
Q: How do I know if asbestos is present in my building?
The only reliable way to confirm asbestos is through a professional asbestos inspection and laboratory testing. Visual inspections alone cannot guarantee identification. At Confluence Environmental, we conduct management and pre-demolition surveys using SafeWork NSW-compliant procedures, including sample collection and NATA-accredited lab analysis.
Q: What is an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP)?
An AMP outlines how asbestos risks will be managed in the workplace. It includes details such as condition monitoring, roles and responsibilities, training requirements, and removal or maintenance procedures. It must be reviewed every 5 years or sooner if conditions change. It is required when asbestos is present or likely to be present in a workplace.
Q: Can I remove asbestos myself?
In NSW, you must be licensed to remove more than 10 m² of bonded asbestos or any friable asbestos, regardless of the quantity. Unlicensed removal is illegal and dangerous. Even small jobs should be assessed by a professional to avoid unintentional exposure or non-compliance.
Q: What should I do if asbestos is found in soil?
Asbestos in soil is common on older or fire-damaged sites. You’ll need a licensed assessor to conduct soil sampling, risk assessment, and develop a remediation strategy. This may involve removal, encapsulation, or validation, depending on the contamination level and intended land use.
Q: When is air monitoring required?
Air monitoring is strongly recommended during any asbestos removal or disturbance. It helps confirm that control measures are effective and that airborne fibre levels are below safe exposure limits. Final clearance air monitoring may be legally required in workplaces before reoccupation.
Q: What areas do you service?
We provide asbestos management services across:
Central Coast (Gosford, Wyong, Tuggerah, etc.)
Newcastle and the Hunter Valley
Greater Sydney
Mid North Coast, South Coast, and regional NSW
Q: Why choose Confluence Environmental?
We are independent, licensed asbestos assessors, not removal contractors — so our advice is unbiased and compliant. We deliver clear, defensible reports, tailored advice, and full support for asbestos registers, DAs, remediation projects, and WHS compliance.