Popular walking and cycling tracks near the Breamlea surf lifesaving club have been abruptly closed to the public after the discovery of dangerous asbestos fragments. The Barwon Coast Committee of Management has taken the precautionary step of shutting down access, sparking an immediate investigation by Victoria Police.
Contamination Sparks Immediate Closure and Probe
The alarming find was made on Thursday, May 23, along the sensitive coastal dunes. Authorities have cordoned off the affected area, which includes key pedestrian and bike paths, to prevent any potential public exposure. The Barwon Coast committee confirmed the closure is a direct response to the asbestos contamination and is in place until further notice.
Victoria Police have launched a formal investigation into the incident, treating the appearance of the hazardous material as suspicious. Detectives from the Geelong Crime Investigation Unit are now leading the inquiry, working to determine how the asbestos came to be scattered in the coastal environment. The police presence underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the contamination event.
Authorities Issue Stern Public Warning
In response to the incident, both Barwon Coast and Victoria Police have issued strong warnings to the local community and visitors. The public is being urged to strictly adhere to the closure signs and barriers erected around the site.
Under no circumstances should anyone enter the closed area or attempt to touch or remove any suspect materials. Asbestos poses severe health risks if its fibres are inhaled, and disturbing the fragments can release these dangerous particles into the air.
The committee's management emphasised that the safety of beachgoers, residents, and the natural dune system is their paramount concern. The closure will remain enforced while the clean-up and police investigation are ongoing, with no timeline given for the paths to reopen.
Ongoing Impact and Environmental Concerns
The incident has caused significant disruption for locals and tourists who regularly use the scenic paths for recreation. Breamlea, a small coastal settlement near Torquay and Geelong, is known for its natural beauty, making this environmental contamination particularly concerning.
Beyond the immediate public health risk, the asbestos fragments also threaten the delicate dune ecosystem. The illegal dumping or disturbance of such material in a coastal reserve represents a serious environmental offence. The investigation will seek to identify those responsible for the contamination.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Breamlea dune area recently, to contact Crime Stoppers or the Geelong Police. The community is advised to monitor official channels for updates on the path closures and the investigation's progress.
