Asbestos-Tainted Mulch Sparks Health Fears Across Queensland

Southeast Queensland residents and businesses face an asbestos scare after mulch potentially contaminated with the carcinogen was distributed to about 25 locations across the region.

The contamination was traced to NuGrow's Ipswich composting operation, west of Brisbane, where friable asbestos—the most hazardous form—was detected in a stockpile in late February. Two fragments measuring about 1.5 by 3 millimetres were found during a regional inspection, but by then the affected mulch had already been sent to landscape suppliers, landscapers, and other businesses. At least one independent school in southeast Queensland was among the recipients.

The discovery has rattled the local community. "There's a lot of disappointment and people are concerned about their health," said Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, noting that the find had sparked significant anxiety. She was particularly critical of NuGrow's handling of the situation, saying the company must "step up and tell the truth" to residents about how the contamination occurred and where the material ended up.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles announced swift action this week, confirming that government agencies were working to track down every location that received the potentially tainted compost. "Agencies are contacting those businesses to identify where the mulch could be and to organise for it to be tested," he said. The government has also established a public hotline for anyone concerned about possible exposure.

The contamination's discovery during a broader regional inspection across southeast Queensland—itself triggered by an asbestos scare in Sydney—highlighted how quickly hazardous material can spread through supply chains. Of more than 20 sites tested, including landfill operations, transfer stations, and other compost suppliers, only NuGrow returned a positive result. However, testing was still incomplete at week's end, with results from roughly half the sites still pending.

What compounds the concern is that NuGrow was not even authorised to handle asbestos, according to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. The department has now prohibited the company from disturbing the contaminated stockpile and ordered strict measures to prevent asbestos particles from becoming airborne—a critical precaution given that friable asbestos releases dangerous fibres when disturbed.

Officials have indicated the risk to the public is likely low, but testing and risk assessment are continuing. DESI has pledged to immediately alert the community if any health risks emerge from the contamination. The government is expected to release a full list of affected businesses soon, giving residents a way to check whether their properties or children's schools received the mulch.

For now, Ipswich and the broader region are in a holding pattern, waiting for testing results and clarity on the extent of the contamination. The hotline is operational for residents with concerns or questions about possible exposure.