REDLAND City Council has taken immediate action after mould was discovered at the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) following waterlogging after the recent cyclone.
According to a Council spokesperson, mould was identified in several areas of the building, prompting a swift response to ensure the safety of staff, performers and the public.
“Redland City Council is committed to ensuring the safety of performers, staff and audience members at Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC),” the spokesperson said.
Upon discovering the issue, Council engaged professional services to investigate the extent of the mould.
The affected areas – initially the basement and technical offices – were closed off to allow for assessment and remediation.
“Mould was detected in the basement and technical offices, and these areas, along with adjacent spaces, were closed immediately to allow for assessment and remediation to take place,” the spokesperson confirmed.
In addition, mould was found in the green room roof and bar roof, both of which were cleaned and remediated within days, ahead of any public use.
On April 7, Council was notified that three chairs in the Concert Hall had been impacted by mould.
These chairs were quickly removed and professionally cleaned.
As a precaution, all seating in the Concert Hall has also undergone professional cleaning.
“There are no visible signs of mould in the Concert Hall foyer, auditorium, bar or backstage areas,” the spokesperson added.
Despite the mould situation not meeting the criteria for a notifiable incident under Workplace Health and Safety Queensland regulations, Council says it is continuing to monitor the entire facility carefully.
“Despite the situation not being notifiable, Council is continuing to monitor and assess the entire facility, with customer and employee safety the highest priority,” the spokesperson said.
“Council is in regular contact with experts to monitor and test the air quality at RPAC and has installed additional air filtration equipment throughout the building.”
In the meantime, some RPAC staff have been relocated to a separate Council facility, while others are working from home.
“With several upcoming public holidays and scheduled maintenance, the next public performance at RPAC will take place on April 30,” the spokesperson confirmed.
