The 38-unit, multi-storey apartment block in Queanbeyan was originally identified in historical records as containing the toxic asbestos in its roof cavity. Licensed asbestos testers tested every unit in the complex in February, with the results discussed with unit owners, Queanbeyan City Council staff and NSW Work Cover and Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA) representatives at a meeting in Queanbeyan on Tuesday night.

A HACA spokesperson told The Queanbeyan Age this week that the site remained safe for renters and owners to live and work in, although a long-term decision on the fate of the property will be reserved until May 31, when the asbestos taskforce hands down its statewide recommendations.

"The results of the technical assessments indicate, according to SafeWork Australia standards, a low risk to occupants and that the units can be occupied," the spokesperson said. "Owners have been advised to maintain their properties and not access areas where loose fill asbestos may be present such as roof spaces, wall cavities and sub floor areas."

The spokesperson said owners and tenants at the property have also been advised that they're eligible for the taskforce's assistance package, including short term accommodation assistance where 'meaningful exposure pathways' are found in affected properties, replacement of soft furnishings and clothing, and free counselling sessions if needed.

However some renters in the unit block said the flow of information down to tenants has been slow. Pensioner John Braakman has lived at the site for a year.

His unit was recently given the 'all clear' by asbestos testers, however he said he'd heard nothing about the long-term fate of the building.

"I wasn't expecting to be told there was asbestos here. So I was pretty worried in the beginning, but when they gave me the all clear it was a lot of relief," he said.

Mr Braakman said he'd recently attempted to renew his lease with his landlord for 12 months at the building, but was only given an option to extend for six months. Although he enjoys living at the building which he said is "quiet and safe", he said he'd likely be seeking asbestos-free accommodation when his lease expires in August.

"On an old age pension you've just got to be careful where you live. I've got an application in to the Department of Housing, but nothing's come up yet."

And he said despite the building containing loose-fill asbestos, new residents continued to move in.

"I can't understand why they're leasing the top level ones. I've seen people moving in only recently," he said.

Meanwhile, Jan Browne of Ian McNamee and Partners - the firm strata managing the building - said the fate of the building was ultimately in the hands of the NSW Government's Asbestos Taskforce.

"Basically a taskforce has been formed, chaired by David Owens, and on the 31st of May he'll make a recommendation to the government as to course of action in regards to this block, and all of them [other affected properties across the state] basically," Mrs Browne said.

-A free ceiling insulation testing program for home owners across 26 NSW local government areas is available until August 2015. For further information and advice on loose fill asbestos go to http://loosefillasbestos.nsw.gov.au/ or call Service NSW on 13 77 88.