Large plastics bags of asbestos, similar to those left outside a Telstra exchange in Mt Clear, were yesterday lying in an uncovered skip at a sheet metal business on Melbourne Road.

Some of the bags have been punctured and appear to have been sitting for a long period of time.

It is believed the bags have been dumped by a contractor working on the remediation of Telstra ducts and pits to make way for fibre-optic cable for the National Broadband Network.

The site appears to contravene WorkSafe Victoria guidelines, which state asbestos waste awaiting disposal be stored in air-tight bins or skips and signed accordingly.

A spokesman for WorkSafe Victoria said they would investigate the incident. 

Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union industrial officer Val Butler said the incident was shocking and a negligent way to dispose of asbestos.

She said it could have been a case of a sub-contractor not wanting to pay for the correct disposal of asbestos. 

“No one should be near those bags without the proper gear,” she said.

Ms Butler said there needed to be a community briefing in Ballarat from NBN Co, Telstra and their contractors to discuss the issue of illegal asbestos dumping.

“If people see those bags they should not go near them,” she said.

The incident comes as WorkSafe Victoria inspectors speak to Ballarat residents to investigate any instances of illegal asbestos dumping by Telstra or NBN contractors.

Federal workplace safety watchdog Comcare is also making inquiries, and has brought in the Environment Protection Authority to test suspicious material.

On Monday, The Courier and The Australian Financial Review revealed bags asbestos material had been left dumped just metres from Mt Clear Primary School.

The revelations have prompted an audit by Telstra into the asbestos management work practices of its contractors.

A spokesperson for Telstra said the telco giant had compiled the necessary data from the audit and would release the findings in the coming days.

tom.cowie@fairfaxmedia.com.au