Asbestos concerns at Warwick State High

Asbestos concerns have now been raised at Warwick State High School.
This follows asbestos issues at Warwick West State School earlier this year.
The Southern Free Times were told high school parents were alerted to the issue on Thursday.
Acting Deputy Director-General, Infrastructure Services, Graham Atkins, said there is some asbestos-containing material (ACM) confirmed in blocks C, D and J at Warwick State High School. The assembly hall, canteen, janitor store, blocks A, B, F, H and I are presumed to have ACM.
“Asbestos-containing materials that are in a sound condition do not pose a health risk unless disturbed. All facilities at Warwick State High School are safe for use,” Mr Atkins said.
“Vinyl tiles in block A are planned for removal over Easter,” he said.
“Some ceilings in rooms A200 and A201, the entries and some vinyl tiles in the assembly hall and some sheet vinyl in block B are also programmed for remedial action.
“Removal works in buildings known to contain asbestos is carried out at times when students and staff are not present.
“A recent incident at the school involved some damage occurring to a D block breezeway ceiling.
“The damaged area was immediately restricted and QBuild attended the school to undertake rectification works. A letter was sent home to all parents that day informing them of the incident.”
Meanwhile, Mr Atkins said there is no visit planned for Departmental staff to visit Slade Campus, an option mooted by many community members to deal with the overcrowding issue at the high school.
“There are sufficient facilities and land at Warwick State High School to meet student numbers now and in the foreseeable future,” he said.
“The school is operating at an efficient 90 per cent capacity.
“DET (Department of Education and Training) is currently proceeding with a master planning activity for Warwick State High School. The outcome of the master planning exercise will provide an agreed way forward to address educational priorities and facilities concerns,” Mr Atkins said.