Asbestos Removal Before Renovation or Demolition in Wollongong

What asbestos removal before renovation or demolition in Wollongong actually involves

The council's part. Councils check the asbestos risk in development applications for renovation and demolition, and can require specific asbestos work as a condition of approval. On top of that, the NSW Government says some asbestos removal work needs planning consent of its own. Which council you deal with depends on the address: Wollongong City Council or Shellharbour City Council.

The builder's duty is the builder's

The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 puts a duty on a business that demolishes or refurbishes residential premises: to have the asbestos identified and, so far as reasonably practicable, removed first (sections 453 and 457, read at the instrument on 12 September 2026). That duty binds the business doing the work. It is not written as a duty on a homeowner.

What to ask before the work is booked

Ask the provider whether the quote assumes a test has been done, who will ask the council whether consent is needed, and where the waste will go. Wollongong City Council says asbestos cannot go to its depot, so the answer to the last question should name a licensed landfill.

This site could not read any Wollongong or Shellharbour planning rule about asbestos, so it names none. Ask your own council whether a development consent, a complying development certificate or nothing at all applies to your job.

Asbestos Removal Before Renovation or Demolition in Wollongong — common questions

Do I need council approval to remove asbestos before renovating?

It depends on the job and the council. The NSW Government says some removal work needs planning consent; ask Wollongong City Council or Shellharbour City Council which applies to your address.

Whose duty is it to find asbestos before demolition?

For a business demolishing or refurbishing residential premises, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 puts the duty on the business. It is not written as a duty on a homeowner.

Should I test before I renovate?

Yes: the NSW Government advises getting a sample tested before renovating, repairing or demolishing a building that may contain asbestos, because it is cheaper and easier when it is not a surprise.