Council initially warned the community about the asbestos near the corner of Bundella Avenue and Illaroo Road in August, 2018.

At the time, council said it was working with the Environment Protection Authority, Crown Lands and designated environmental consultants to further assess the area.

On Wednesday, February 5 a public notice was placed in the Port Macquarie Express detailing the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council intends to implement actions identified in the Coastal Zone Management Plan (2016).

This included the removal of stormwater outlets at Lake Cathie and the construction of a new stormwater system (pipe and pit) along Illaroo Road, with a new outlet being provided at Bundella Avenue.

"Council also wishes to remove dumped asbestos which has been found at the new stormwater outlet location and more broadly along the Bundella Road embankment, and also wish to plan for the potential future construction works associated with a 440m revetment wall along Illaroo Road," the notice outlined.

Lake Cathie resident Stewart Cooper said he believes the notice published by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is a delay tactic, so the organisation appears to be doing something to appease the public.

Meanwhile an expert in estuarine biology, Dr Deb Geronimi, said she holds real concern for the future of Lake Cathie's species after recent heavy rainfall impacted its water quality.

Council's group manager of environment and regulatory services, Debbie Archer said the organisation's number one priority is to ensure there is minimal risk to the community.

"The site is a combination of council-managed and state government land that is not easily accessible to the public," she said.

"Regular monitoring is being undertaken to remove any newly exposed asbestos until remediation can be undertaken.

"An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment is currently being completed, so that a remediation plan can be finalised in consultation with state government."

Ms Archer said vandalised advisory signage is to be replaced to continue to warn the community to keep off the area.

If suspected asbestos is seen to be exposed, it should be reported to council's customer service centre on 6581 8111.

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