THE District Council of Loxton Waikerie has been forced to relocate its East Terrace office following an overpopulation of mould within the building’s interior.
The mould and spore build-ups were discovered back in May when water damage to the chambers prompted the council to request some tests, unearthing the unsafe office levels.
District Council of Loxton Waikerie CEO David Beaton said the safety of staff and the community is crucial, which is why the council has decided to momentarily relocate its offices.
“The former Institute is an old building and in the past 10 years, council has had three insurance claims for water damage,” he said.
“This damage has clearly had longer-lasting effects on the building, which is no causing respiratory concerns for several staff members.”
While remedial works are undertaken at the former Institute building to rectify air quality issues, the Loxton Findex office has been leased out for five years at $45,000 per annum for staff use in the meantime.
Mr Beaton said capital works to the Institute building, which are estimated to cost up to $400,000, would likely be lengthy and costly, but would not strain the council’s budget or general finances.
He said because the East Terrace facilities were heritage listed, it could take several years to complete its remediation due to the restrictions on what can and cannot be done to the site.
“The East Terrace council office and chambers is a heritage listed building,” Mr Beaton said.
“The Institute is a part of Loxton’s history and has been a feature of the East Terrace streetscape for over a century, most recently as the home of the council’s offices and chamber.
“That’s why these remediation works are so important, as they will ensure the building is suitable for use well into the future.
“We were lucky the Findex building was available, (and) could accommodate the council within the business area of Loxton.”