September 28th, 2005

A decision has been made by officials to close the Fairbairn Motorsports Park until further notice following the discovery of asbestos contamination at the site. The asbestos comes from illegally dumped soil that was contaminated with the hazardous substance, which is known to cause a number of health problems including a deadly cancer known as Mesothelioma.

The illegal dumping of the contaminated soil, which was around a dirt bike racing track, is currently being investigated by the Environment Protection Authority. It has been confirmed that the soil in question was found to be missing from a Mitchell industrial waste holding yard last week.

An EPA spokesperson confirmed that the soil had been found at the motorsports park, and that it had been used in the construction of noise barriers. He added that he hoped the closure would not be a long term one, stating: "We would hope the park is off-limits for a very short time."

However, this news is no consolation to those that use the park, which was due to be the venue for a big ACT motorcycle competition in the near future. An ACT motorcycle spokesperson stated: "The whole complex is closed until further notice because of contaminants."