Childcare centre closed despite being cleared of asbestos contamination (ABC)

View Comments ABC The centre was closed on July 4 for testing.

A childcare centre in Canberra's north-west will close permanently despite being cleared of asbestos contamination.

The Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Aranda shut on July 4 for extensive testing after small holes were found in the building's walls.

It was feared the holes, about the size of a pinprick or a nail, could release asbestos from the wall cavities into the centre.

The loose-filled asbestos is part of the Mr Fluffy legacy, which saw asbestos installed in more than 1,000 ACT buildings in the 1960s and 1970s.

Despite soil and air tests confirming the centre is safe while remaining asbestos is suitably managed, Goodstart released a statement saying the centre would shut.

"Goodstart's first priority must be to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our children, staff and families," the statement said.

"While the soil and air is clear, we know there are Amosite fibres in the walls ... should damage occur in the future, we will be required to close the centre to have this damage remediated immediately.

"Given the nature of our business, we feel the presence of Amosite fibres in the walls means the building is not compatible with the operation of a childcare centre."

Goodstart state manager Nicole Jones said the centre would work with the relevant government agencies to determine placements for children at other Canberra centres.

"This decision has not been taken lightly and I can appreciate the inconvenience this has caused you and your family," she said.

"We have worked with our regulators to maximise capacity at our other Canberra Goodstart Centres and have very few vacancies across our network.

"While we are trying to accommodate as many families as we can there will not be a place for everyone."

Ms Jones said the centre would be unable to ensure children are placed at a location of the family's choosing.

"We may not always be able to accommodate your request for individual centres at the moment," she said.

"In the event you are allocated a centre that was not your preference we can place you on the waiting list of centres more appropriate for your needs."

Today the Fluffy Owners Residents' Action Group have also taken their concerns to the Federal Government, meeting with the relevant federal minister Eric Abetz.

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