WorkSafe orders Batavia Motor Inne site to be made safe after asbestos found in demolition

The demolition of the Batavia Motor Inne continues to cause headaches as the presence of asbestos comes to light, sparking concerns about the site’s proximity to a primary school and homes. The City of Greater Geraldton responded to claims asbestos had been found on site, confirming it had discussed it with the Batavia’s owners after it was made aware WorkSafe had ordered that the location be made safe. The property was bought by Joe Scaffidi, Anthony Scaffidi and Michael O’Sullivan in 2021. City CEO Ross McKim said: “The City took immediate action and an order was issued under the Health (Asbestos) Regulations to the owners. “The owners subsequently engaged a class-A asbestos licence holder contractor, who has since undertaken works to remove material from the property.” A spokesperson for WorkSafe said: “WA’s work health and safety laws require that asbestos is identified before any refurbishment or demolition work is commenced.” WorkSafe confirmed it had been involved with the Batavia but was unable to disclose any further information because of an ongoing investigation which began in late September. The Geraldton Guardian this week received an anonymous letter from a local parent raising serious concerns over the demolition management of the former motel and crime hotspot. “Asbestos and asbestos-containing material . . . is abundant onsite . . . There is also historic knowledge of a substantial asbestos waste hole on site,” the letter says. The demolition site is opposite Geraldton Primary School and near Nagle Catholic College. The concerned parent is worried efforts to minimise dust are not suitable given how close it is to the two schools. “To allow health-related issues to be insufficiently controlled with one small asbestos warning sign on the gate and workers on site without PPE, using a hose near Geraldton Primary School in an effort to minimise dust and asbestos fibres from spreading is insufficient to say the least,” they wrote. “This is completely unacceptable and could adversely impact the health and well-being of the community.” Asbestos is extremely fibrous, and the tiny fibres are easily breathed in, where they can become trapped in the lungs. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing cancers of the lungs, ovaries and larynx. The parent called for the City of Greater Geraldton to put immediate measures in place. Demolition resumed last weekend after a 10-week break, the reasons for which the owners and contractors remained quiet about. However, a sign was put up warning asbestos removal was in progress. Co-owner Joe Scaffidi, property developer and husband of ex-City of Perth lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi, declined to comment when contacted on Thursday. He was spotted on site last Friday. The demolition has been eagerly anticipated by residents for many years as the once thriving motel deteriorated into a cesspit of squatting, antisocial behaviour and criminal activity, including reported sex assaults against children.