Fears of “cancer cluster” at Miami State School spark health investigation

Health authorities have launched an investigation into a Queensland school after 19 employees were diagnosed with cancer, sparking fears of a “cluster”. See the probe outcome.

Health authorities are investigating “cancer cluster” fears raised by Gold Coast primary school staff - where at least 19 ex or current employees have been diagnosed with various cancers.

But the Gold Coast Public Health Unit has prefaced its final report by saying there is “no evidence to suggest a cluster” whilst Queensland Health has told the Department of Education there are “no health concerns linked to the (school) site”.

Multiple letters by ex and current staff at Miami State School raised fears back in May sparking the Gold Coast Public Health Unit investigation.

Queensland Department of Education has confirmed it is assisting Queensland Health with investigations.

Miami State School is being investigated after 19 ex and current employees were diagnosed with cancer. Picture: Glenn Hampson

An ex-staff member who officially raised the concerns with Queensland Health told the Bulletin they were aware of 19 current and long-term staff diagnosed with various cancers.

Over the last 15 years there have been at least 13 breast, two prostate, one ovarian, one lung, one uterine and one with a benign brain tumour.

The ex-staffer of 20 years said they knew two affected staff, including a former deputy principal, had died from cancer-related issues: “I’m concerned for the children and staff currently – but especially parents.

“I personally know there have been at least two other parents diagnosed with breast cancer. It was very upsetting and concerning to hear so many staff were being diagnosed,” they said.

“You start to think ‘What is going on?’”

In response to Bulletin questions, a Gold Coast Health spokesperson said: “The Gold Coast Public Health Unit (GCPHU) has conducted a type 1 cluster assessment as per the Queensland Health non-communicable disease cluster assessment guidelines 2019.

An ex-staff member of 20 years at the primary school said staff were concerned about “contaminants” at Miami State School.

“The final report into the investigation is due to be released in the coming weeks. The outcome of the investigation is such that no further action is required.”

A Queensland Department of Education spokesperson said safety and wellbeing of students and staff was the highest priority. They added: “(Queensland Health) will provide a report to the department with the outcomes of their investigation.

“Preliminary indications is there are no health concerns linked to the site.”

Ex-staff say workers were concerned about asbestos at the school and its origins being built on top of a large landfill.

In response to Bulletin questions, the Department of Education said: “The removal of identified asbestos containing materials at Miami SS was completed during the September 2023 school holiday period.

“There are currently no asbestos components identified at Miami SS for priority removal.”

The landfill site is underneath the eastern part of Pizzey Park - directly next to the primary school - and scheduled for redevelopment in 2024.

Diagram of Pizzey Park indicating areas built on top of landfill. Miami State School sits directly adjacent the park. Picture: Place Design Group/Draft Pizzey Park Master Plan

Pizzey Park master plan drafts indicate the extent of the landfill is “unknown”.

“Development of the site has presented challenges due to the two separate local authorities and landfill complications resulting in ad hoc improvements over the years,” it reads.

“Excavation is problematic in the landfill.”

Landfill refuse has contaminated bodies of water within the area, including Morrie Ball Lake, reducing water quality.

State Education Minister Grace Grace said of the health authority probe: “These matters are taken very seriously and were referred for urgent investigation.

Minister for Education Grace Grace said the complaints were taken “very seriously”. Picture: Liam Kidston

“Queensland Health will release their final report in the coming weeks, however I understand there has been no evidence of a cluster and we await the outcome.”

The ex-staff member who raised the initial fears said the indicated preliminary outcome was “devastating” and “hard to accept”.

“It’s frustrating they came to that conclusion despite so many diagnoses. It feels like we haven’t been listened to, like we’ve been pushed aside.”

“I just worry about how many more people will be diagnosed and they (Queensland Health) will continue to say this.”