Asbestos News

After months in limbo, a decision has finally been made regarding an asbestos-plagued Tasmanian hospital.

Developers in Melbourne, Australia, have agreed to buy the former maternity hospital in Devonport and intend to convert the facility into an apartment complex, according to the Australian Broadcasting Company.

Devonport real estate agent Kim Dougan told the news source that plans for asbestos removal have already been laid, and that the site should be cleaned up by the end of July.

This is good news for the community, which has worried that loose asbestos inside the hospital posed a risk to children who wandered onto the site to play. The facility had also been vandalized several times over the past few years.

The news of the sale will likely be a relief for many Tasmanian lawmakers who have been hoping for a resolution.

"There is a serious health issue that needs to be addressed with priority, and all tiers of government and all those concerned about this issue I believe are entitled to know that there will be prompt action," Liberal leader Will Hodgman told the news source last month.