The excavation of the hill in Dave Taylor Park was suspended on March 1, after a petition signed by about 300 members of the Pioneer community who did not want to lose their park to a housing estate was handed to Griffith City Council.

This suspension was lifted this week and contractors are in the process of removing the mound.

Council general manager Brett Stonestreet said works have restarted after additional communication was held between council and concerned community members.

"There has been additional explanation with the community as to the scope of the works and further information has been provided regarding the safety measures put in place by the accredited contractors engaged to carry out the works," he said.

Mr Stonestreet added that the mound is filled with asbestos and therefore "a safety hazard" and strict measures have been put in place to ensure no contaminated material would leave the site.

Air monitoring equipment has been set up across the park and if the technology detects any level of asbestos the site will be shut down immediately.

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It is expected 8600 tonnes of waste will be removed and transported to the Tharbogang Waste Management Facility.

The excavation of the mound is being undertaken to make room for the Griffin Green housing project.

The $12 million first stage of the housing project will see 20 affordable homes built in the park.

Later stages will see the development of 45 new affordable housing lots.

Speaking to The Area News in February, community centre coordinator Leonie Kawelmacher said the housing project will take away open space for children in the area.

"If they take away the green space the kids will be left with nothing," Ms Kawelmacher said.

"We use that grass space for a variety of things, from food vans to kids clubs. The main thing is there are kids in that park every day in the skate park and the basketball courts."

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