DRINKING water safety tests are not required at the new Mundaring Arena.
Mundaring Shire chief executive Jonathan Throssell consulted with the State health department after concerned parents contacted the Gazette asking about the reason behind a second delay in opening the Arena.
Among the questions posed by The Gazette was whether they were investigating water quality issues, given the recent spate of unacceptable lead levels found in public buildings.
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READ NOW“The Department of Health has not made any recommendations regarding either commissioning or routine continual monitoring for chemical or microbiological contaminants within the built form,” he said.
A Minister for Health spokeswoman said strict processes are in place to ensure the safety of drinking water.
“While routine testing for lead is not mandatory in any building in Australia, all suppliers of water in the State have a duty to provide water that meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines,” she said.
“The onus is on the supplier to report any problems with water quality, either chemical or microbial, to the Department of Health.
“The National Plumbing Code requires minimum standards be maintained in relation to the materials and equipment used in drinking water systems throughout Australia. Compliance in WA is managed by the Plumbers Licencing Board and the Building Commission,” she said.
The Shire expected the $10 million sports facility to be available from January, with work on the building due to end in December.
Mr Throssell said “practical completion was now expected by May 3”.
Disappointed sports groups rescheduled their fixtures at the start of the year after a Shire inspection identified a faulty septic system, “several other defects and incomplete items”.
Mundaring Shire revised the opening date of the sports centre to April 30, but after discovering “a few final tasks were outstanding” notified local sports groups of the second postponement.
Parent Beth Perry said as a business owner, she questioned why there were no penalties built into the building contract with Pindan.
“I was astounded to be notified of a second delay,” she said.
Mr Throssell said damage penalties were built into the Shire contract.
“Recovering the value of damages would only be practical if there were financial losses suffered by Shire of Mundaring to which there has not, so there is no plan to activate the clause,” he said.
“The Shire holds bank guarantees from the builder to ensure the building is completed and works are undertaken as required.
“The Shire will not pay final contract sums until practical completion is granted.”
He said the Shire had hoped the facility would be ready for the start of the netball and basketball winter season.
“The delay means the winter season for basketball will be reduced by one week,” he said.
“It will not impact the netball season as the first game isn’t until Saturday May 5, which is opening day of the new arena.”
Hills Raiders Basketball Association will launch its winter competitions on Tuesday.
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