Eight WA schools revealed to have mould issues this year

MOULD issues have been found at eight schools this year, with works currently being carried out at Karrinyup Primary School and Cyril Jackson Senior Campus.

Community News has obtained a list of affected schools from the Education Department.

Issues at Harmony, Applecross, Rostrata, Atwell, Cottesloe and Bramfield primary schools have been rectified following work that was completed this year.

The works ranged from minor repairs through to removal of affected transportable classrooms.

Roof and ceiling remediation and cleaning at Cyril Jackson have been undertaken.

The Department advised work at Cyril Jackson Senior Campus was nearly complete with one classroom set to undergo maintenance over the school holidays.

Work has been completed on 18 classrooms to address mould concerns.

Work is also being carried out at Karrinyup Primary School.

The Department was aware of some concerns raised by parents and extensive work had been carried out to address identified mould issues.

Infrastructure executive director John Fischer said since 2008, more than $60 million had been spent on roof replacements at almost 200 schools.

“I’m aware that the flat-roof design of schools built in the 1970s and 80s is not ideal and they will need replacement into the future,” he said.

“Currently only two classrooms are closed with remediation works to be completed over summer.”

State School Teachers’ Union of WA president Pat Byrne said there needed to be a systematic plan to ensure older infrastructure was updated before it became a serious risk to health and safety of teachers and students.

“Teachers and students shouldn’t be exposed to worn out and unsafe work environments, which is why the union has proposed a roof replacement strategy for older schools where failed roof infrastructure is a risk,” she said.

“In many schools we have seen poorly maintained air-conditioning systems, rusted gutters and downpipes, and plumbing leaks, which have led to a significant problem with mould contamination.

“The effects of mould spores can be as serious as bronchial infections, pneumonia and other chronic lung conditions.

“Neither students nor teachers should be subjected to these risks.”