New sampling results at a mouldy South Hobart home reveal high levels of mould

Specialist mould readings at a South Hobart public housing unit have returned levels four times higher than experts consider is acceptable, as a resident reveals his health fears. RESULTS >>

• Tenants’ tales of mouldy misery in public housing complex
• Housing Tasmania has revealed the issues it identified at a mouldy public housing complex

MOULD readings at a South Hobart public housing unit have returned four times higher than experts consider is acceptable.

Testing at the Milles St unit, conducted by Healthy Homes Tasmania at The Mercury’s request, show there is a mould presence in at least three rooms at the property.

Tenant Matthew Rooke said he had watched mould plague the unit before and after essential maintenance works, to address the issue, were carried out.

Residents at neighbouring units have complained of high mould presence at their properties, including Natasha Richardson, whose bathroom does not have a fan or a window.

Photos seen by the Mercury at a recently vacated Milles St unit show extensive mould growth there.

Martin Bohata from Healthy Homes Tasmania doing a mould test on a public housing unit in South Hobart. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mould-tester Marty Bohata, who conducted mould sampling at Mr Rooke’s home, said a reading of 200 colony forming units in the laundry was of particular concern, saying an indoor reading should not exceed 50 CFU.

He said the site desperately needed greater ventilation to help address the conditions.

“I believe that if it were a little bit better managed, even from a tenant point of view, then it might not have got that bad,” he said.

University of Tasmania microbiologist John Bowman said a more holistic analysis of the unit was needed, including further air testing, to fully identify the extent of the property’s mould issues.

Three separate medical reports have shown Mr Rooke has endured headaches, nosebleeds and dizziness while living in the unit — afflictions he says his GP has linked to the conditions in his home.

Housing Tasmania has carried out maintenance works at the property over the past two years, including the installation of kitchen and bathroom fans.

Mr Rooke, who has had transfer requests denied, said he hoped he could be housed in alternative accommodation during repair works.

“I don’t mind them doing works, it’s their property, but I don’t want to be in there breathing in the mould spores while it’s happening,” he said.

“It has been exhausting and detrimental to my physical and mental health. I just want it resolved so I can make it a home and so I can stop choking on what’s embedded on the concrete slab.”

Liberal Speaker Sue Hickey, who wrote to Housing Minister Roger Jaensch urging for Mr Rooke to be transferred, said her office had been working with Mr Rooke and the Housing Department to find a solution.

Housing Tasmania tenant Matthew Rooke. Picture Chris Kidd

“When I am contacted by a Housing Tasmania tenant, I do my best to attend in person and investigate the complaint. In the case of the Milles Street units, Mr Rooke contacted me in a state of distress,” she said.

“I am happy to say that the Housing Department responded within 24 hours and addressed the broken guttering but I understand Mr Rooke then prevented tradesmen from entering the property for some reason.

“Clearly there is evidence of mould and it is disappointing that the plumbing was fixed but the laundry cabinet was not identified as beyond its use and contributing to the problem.

“Unfortunately, much of our housing stock is old and at this time of the year, the windows are kept closed.”

Block of units in South Hobart that has been overtaken with mould. Picture: Zak Simmonds

A Housing Tasmania spokesman said Mr Rooke’s property had been assessed as suitable and appropriate and said the department would “continue to support the tenant to undertake their ongoing maintenance and cleaning activities”.

“Regarding transfers, Housing Tasmania will consider any requests on its merits and encourage any tenant with requests to make an application and provide appropriate documentation from medical professionals,” the spokesman said.