‘Dangerous’ Harvey Shire buildings to cost ratepayers

Harvey ratepayers may have to fork out tens of thousands of dollars on a temporary fix of dangerous Shire office buildings — which are expected to be demolished anyway within the next few years to make way for new offices and a community hub in Harvey. It comes after three reports, expected to have cost ratepayers $20,000, revealed “critical” safety hazards in the Shire buildings. According to a Shire officer, the expected expenditure to fix the “critical” problems is so far estimated to reach $70,000. However, the OBAN report estimated the full maintenance and defect costs to reach $386,455 — if all suggestions are implemented. There were complaints of mould, bacteria, ventilation issues, dangerous electrical setups and water egress in the ceilings — which could “potentially cause them to collapse”. The issue was first made public in December last year when Cr Bill Adams raised a motion for Harvey Shire chief executive Annie Riordan to take action against claims of a “dangerous” workplace. The claims were supported by an architectural assessment and occupational health and safety report at the time. The decision to fund extra reports into the standards of the office caused controversy within the council meeting last year, with some councillors questioning why ratepayers should fund something that was soon to be demolished. One of the councillors suggested the council use other buildings to create a temporary space for workers, instead of putting a bandaid on old buildings, while they waited for the new complex. The three recent reports were conducted by external companies to assess the environmental, mechanical and hydraulic risks within the building. The audit by OBAN included a building survey which highlighted “sagging timber floors”, “corrosion”, “water stained ceiling tiles”, “broken window panels”, “rusted gutters” and “cracked external walls”. In the CETEC report, indoor environmental quality was assessed. The concentration of carbon dioxide was assessed and passed the Australian standard. Levels of bacteria, yeast and mould were below acceptable limits and potable water was tested and found to be suitable. However, lighting within the building was labelled as an issue. A PDF engineering report assessed the mechanical risks and highlighted recommendations to investigate “urgently” and change certain electrical units. Although overcrowding was not highlighted as an official issue in the report, Mrs Riordan said the way in which the offices were structured did not allow for maximum productivity. “We are at a critical juncture in regards to productivity and service to ratepayers,” Mrs Riordan said. The Shire buildings are set to get the wrecking ball in the next few years to make way for a new community hub in Harvey. The Reporter understands the Town Hall will remain intact, to preserve history, however, the rest may be demolished to make way for the hub. The full plans have not yet been presented to the council for approval.