Geraldton playground shut after low-level thallium found in sand
A sand pit at Fraser Gregory Park Playground in Geraldton was closed after testing revealed low concentrations of thallium, prompting further investigations.
Testing carried out by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation uncovered a small amount of thallium in the sand pit at Fraser Gregory Park Playground in Geraldton, leading the city to shut the site. The investigation was triggered by community complaints about increased dust in the Beachlands suburb, which lies beside the rail and road corridor to the port. Mayor Jerry Clune said the closure reflects a precautionary approach while the source of the metal remains unclear.
DWER will conduct further analysis following guidance from the Department of Health, and preliminary data show lead concentrations are below safety thresholds. The discovery coincides with the Mid West Port Authority’s recent $10 million upgrade of a dust-extraction system aimed at reducing emissions from iron-ore handling.
Why it matters
Children’s play areas are being closed as authorities assess potential health risks from a toxic metal.
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