What’s Happening?
Redland City Council has confirmed that members of the public were exposed to mould-contaminated seats at the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC). While initial assessments last week suggested the mould was only in restricted areas, the Council has now admitted that three chairs in the main concert hall also tested positive for contamination.
A Council spokesperson said the confirmation came late Monday and added, “The affected chairs have been removed.” The mould outbreak followed water damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Why It Matters?
The venue remained open to the public this month, hosting several events, including the 27 Club performance and a magic show. Public health concerns have now emerged after the Council’s earlier statements proved incorrect. While the Council says the case does not meet the threshold for a notifiable incident under Workplace Health and Safety Queensland rules, they continue remediation works.
“Despite the situation not being notifiable, council is continuing to manage, treat and remediate the mould appropriately and in accordance with any guidelines or advice provided by experts,” the spokesperson said.
Local Impact
RPAC is a key cultural hub for Redland City. Events scheduled earlier this month may have unknowingly exposed audiences to mould. Although no public events are booked for the next 20 days due to upcoming public holidays and scheduled maintenance, some staff have already been relocated to other offices as a precaution.
“Redland City Council is committed to ensuring the safety of performers, staff and audience members at Redland Performing Arts Centre,” the spokesperson said.
By the Numbers:
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3 public chairs in the concert hall tested positive for mould.
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20 days of event-free downtime now planned at RPAC for further inspections and maintenance.
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Multiple areas, including the green room, bar roofs, basement, and technical offices, show signs of mould contamination.
Zoom In
Specialist contractors have begun assessing the extent of the mould spread and identifying the types present. The Council has placed air filters throughout the venue and moved several employees out of contaminated areas. These immediate actions aim to control the situation before performances resume.
Zoom Out
The incident sheds light on the ongoing structural and environmental risks following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Water intrusion continues to pose health and safety concerns for venues like RPAC across the region. The situation underscores the need for rapid moisture detection and remediation in public buildings after major weather events.
What to Look For Next?
Expect updates from Redland City Council once expert assessments are complete. The Council will likely release a timeline for future events at RPAC and clarify safety procedures for audiences, staff, and performers moving forward.
