Melbourne Asbestos Bylaw: Removal Licensing & Owner Steps

Housing and Building Standards Victoria 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Victoria

In Melbourne, Victoria, owners must manage asbestos risks to protect occupants and comply with state and local requirements. This guide explains licensing basics, safety steps, enforcement pathways and how to engage licensed removalists so you meet council and regulator expectations while avoiding penalties and delays.

Overview

Asbestos removal in Melbourne is governed by state occupational and environmental controls and enforced locally by council regulatory teams and state agencies. Owners should assess presence of asbestos, secure the site, engage appropriately licensed contractors for Class A or B removal when required, and obtain clearance documentation after removal.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement can involve council officers, WorkSafe Victoria and EPA Victoria depending on the breach. Owners and contractors can face enforcement action for unsafe removal, illegal disposal, failure to notify or not using licensed removalists.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence ranges - not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: work stop orders, remediation directions, seizure or court proceedings may be used; specifics depend on the enforcing agency and are not fully itemised on the cited page.[1]
  • Enforcers: local council compliance officers, WorkSafe Victoria for workplace asbestos safety, and EPA Victoria for waste and contamination issues.[1]
  • Inspection and complaints: report unsafe removal or illegal dumping to council and to state agencies; contact paths are given on regulator pages.[2]
  • Appeals and review: formal appeal or review routes and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited pages; check the enforcing agency for appeal timeframes.
Always keep records and clearance certificates from licensed removalists.

Applications & Forms

Councils do not generally issue an "asbestos removal licence" to owners; licensing for removal contractors (Class A/Class B) is a state requirement and licence details are published by the state regulator.[1] Specific council permit forms for demolition or building works that may involve asbestos can apply — check your local council building permit and planning pages for submission requirements.

Practical Steps for Owners

  • Confirm suspected asbestos with a licensed asbestos assessor or a suitably qualified inspector.
  • Do not disturb materials; arrange testing and a removal plan if asbestos is confirmed.
  • Engage a licensed asbestos removalist for Class A or B work where required; verify licence details and insurance.
  • Ensure notifications are made to any required agencies and obtain a clearance certificate after removal.
  • Keep invoices and clearance documentation for records and potential council or regulator inspections.
Use a licensed assessor to confirm friable versus non-friable asbestos before arranging removal.

Common Violations

  • DIY removal of bonded or friable asbestos without engaging a licensed removalist.
  • Illegal disposal of asbestos waste to municipal tips without proper documentation and transport.
  • Failure to obtain required demolition or building approvals that include asbestos management plans.
Document the chain of custody for asbestos waste during removal and disposal.

FAQ

Who must be licensed to remove asbestos in Melbourne?
Only contractors holding the relevant state asbestos removal licence (Class A or B) may carry out licensable asbestos removal work; owners must engage licensed removalists for that work.[1]
Do I need a council permit to remove asbestos?
You may need building or demolition permits for works that involve asbestos removal; check your local council building and planning pages for permit requirements.
How do I report unsafe asbestos removal or illegal dumping?
Report to your local council and to state agencies such as WorkSafe or EPA Victoria using the contact and complaints pages on their websites.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify suspected asbestos and arrange testing by a qualified asbestos assessor.
  2. Obtain any required building/demolition permits from council before starting removal work.
  3. Engage a licensed Class A or B asbestos removalist and confirm their licence details in writing.
  4. Ensure removal is carried out under an approved method, with air monitoring and appropriate PPE where required.
  5. Obtain a clearance certificate and waste transport/disposal receipts; retain these for compliance and any inspections.
A clearance certificate is the primary record regulators request after licensable asbestos removal.

Key Takeaways

  • Always engage licensed removalists for licensable work and keep clearance paperwork.
  • Report unsafe work or illegal disposal to council and state regulators promptly.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] WorkSafe Victoria - Asbestos information and licensed removal requirements
  2. [2] EPA Victoria - Asbestos guidance and disposal requirements

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