Outrage over mouldy units

Former tenant had mildew on her lung

SOCIAL service bodies and opposition parties have slammed the “substandard” living conditions for residents at a South Hobart public housing complex.

Damning medical reports, seen by the Mercury this week, painted an alarming picture of the health issues Milles St housing residents were exposed to as a result of toxic mould at the complex.

It was revealed nose bleeds, chest pains and dizziness was occurring at the complex while parents feared for their children’s health, and one resident slept in his car.

Britt McNeil, who lived at the housing complex nine years ago, said recent reports of toxic mould at the Milles St complex reignited her memories about the clammy conditions during her tenancy there. “Within six months of living there I started feeling sick, and after seeking medical advice I was told I had mildew growing in my lungs,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw current residents speaking out about their mould concerns, because they are facing the same issue I had.”

Tasmanian Council of Social Service chief executive Adrienne Picone said it was “unacceptable” that Tasmanians were living in “unsafe and unfit accommodation”.

She said targeted investment and a focused program of upgrades and maintenance of public housing properties would add to the benefits for Tasmania’s population, workforce and economy.

“We know our State Government doesn’t want to see Tasmanians on the streets or sleeping in their cars, and has committed to fast-tracking construction of social and affordable housing. It is imperative the upkeep and maintenance of existing social housing stock sits alongside these initiatives,” she said.

Greens health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said there was little doubt Milles St tenants’ health was being put at risk by their housing: “As the Government considers its COVID-19 rebuild, it must prioritise refitting public housing that is predisposed to unhealthy and chronic mould.”

Labor MP Ella Haddad said the Government should use funding from its construction blitz to clear the maintenance backlog in public housing.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said: “We want our tenants to be safe and healthy in their homes.”