A community health clinic and environmental health offices in Darwin have been battling a persistent mould infestation for several years, with staff reporting daily clean-ups of workspaces and equipment. The Northern Territory Health Department has acknowledged the issue at the Casuarina Plaza building, a problem that has reportedly escalated following a recent redevelopment of the site.

Long-Standing Mould Problem at Casuarina Plaza

The Health Services Union (HSU) NT branch has highlighted the extent of the mould problem, stating that it has significantly infested the first and second floors of the Casuarina Plaza building. Billy Elrick, HSU NT Branch Secretary, indicated that the issue has been ongoing for a few years, becoming particularly noticeable after the site’s redevelopment. Health professionals working in the building have allegedly been tasked with the daily removal of mould from their work areas, including essential equipment used in client therapy and children’s toys.

“The mould is getting reported daily,” Mr. Elrick stated. “Clinicians are coming in and cleaning off equipment that they were using just a matter of days ago; it’s constantly on the air-conditioning vents.” He expressed significant concern, particularly given that young children attend the site for therapeutic assessments and other interventions. “It is completely unacceptable that health professionals are being left to clean persistent mould from clinical equipment and children’s toys while the Territory government fails to provide clear answers or ensure a safe environment for staff and patients,” he added. The union claims that members have raised these concerns with NT Health on multiple occasions through official channels without any substantive action being taken.

Staff Concerns and Health Risks

The HSU formally brought these issues to the attention of the Commissioner for Public Employment, Nicole Hurwood, in a letter dispatched last week. The union is advocating for the relocation of all staff from the affected building. However, NT Health chief executive Susan Bowden maintained that a complete staff relocation is not deemed necessary at this time.

“It does have a mould problem, and it has been a recurring problem, and it is unacceptable,” Ms. Bowden commented. “We’ve engaged a specialist environmental consultant with specialist expertise to do a report on the issue.”

Information available on the NT Health website notes that while exposure to mould is common, high levels of airborne spores can pose a health risk for sensitive individuals. The department’s own guidelines suggest that mould can exacerbate respiratory conditions, trigger asthma attacks, and worsen allergic reactions.

NT Health’s Response and Remediation Efforts

Ms. Bowden assured that the engaged specialist would identify the root cause of the mould infestation at Casuarina Plaza and propose a permanent solution. She detailed immediate actions already underway, including the closure of specific areas within the building and preliminary remediation work to avoid further delays.

These initial steps involve:

• Specialist deep cleaning of surface mould.
• Measures to decrease humidity, such as extending air-conditioner operating hours.
• Targeted replacement of affected carpets.

Furthermore, NT Health is working to reduce internal humidity sources, including removing items like pot plants and fish tanks, and reviewing the use of appliances such as air fryers that can contribute to moisture levels. “It is unacceptable, and we’re doing everything we can to support our staff and our clients,” Ms. Bowden stated. “Certainly, if patients don’t feel comfortable there, we can find alternative locations for them.”

Moving Forward

Ms. Bowden extended an invitation to the union for further dialogue regarding the mould issue and indicated that the specialist’s report is expected to be finalised within the coming weeks. Casuarina Plaza is a leased property, not owned by NT Health, with the Northern Territory government being the lessee. The NT Health Minister, Steve Edgington, was also approached for comment on the situation.

The ongoing situation underscores the challenges in maintaining healthy indoor environments, particularly in shared public facilities, and highlights the importance of prompt and effective responses to environmental health concerns raised by staff and the community.