Elevated levels of lead have been detected at a third Far North state government facility in as many weeks, but Queensland’s chief health officer says the issues are “completely unrelated”.
Preliminary testing has detected lead in the water at Yarrabah State School’s primary and secondary campuses and the kindergarten, raising concerns among the community.
A statement from Queensland Health said the immediate health risks are minimal but as a precautionary measure, staff and students and the primary school, high school and early childhood facility are being provided with bottled drinking water.
Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard, addressing the media in Cairns on Wednesday, assured the public the issue was isolated and no lead had been detected in people’s blood results.
“It can be as simple as a bolt in the water system that has stayed there for too long or been untouched that can contaminate the water,” Dr Gerrard said.
A Yarrabah worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said the issue was larger than this one isolated instance.
“Water has been an ongoing problem in Yarrabah for more than 10 years now,” he said.
“The standard for which dangerous water is measured is usually an indicator for non-ATSI people.
“As the majority of Yarrabah are First Nations residents, a poor water system can have a much greater impact on a community that needs more assisstance as it is.”
He said when you start with poor access to clean running water, the situation spirals.
“Without clean water, people are deciding to leave their homes and buy drinks at the shops,” he said.
“But water is way more expensive than a bottle of cola, and with that as a staple liquid consumption then starts an array of health problems.”
Queensland Health chief health officer Dr John Gerrard alongside Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council major Ross Andrews (left) and the Department of Education Far North Queensland regional director Shirlee Gallo. Picture: Kristina Puljak
In late May, the opening of the new clinical services building at the Atherton Hospital was delayed after elevated lead levels were detected at that facility and the Yarrabah Health Facility.
And in mid-May, the Cairns Post revealed staff at Yarrabah’s health service, Gurriny Yealamucka, were asked to undergo blood testing following the discovery of elevated levels of copper in the drinking water at the Bukki Rd health facility.
The chief health officer said it was all a coincidence, and that the issue at Atherton Hospital was “rapidly resolving”.
“Identification of lead in tap water is actually not that uncommon,” Dr Gerrard said.
“Once water gets into a building, it is exposed to plumbing; bronze, brass and the solder that holds them together contains small amounts of lead.”
Opposition spokesman for Multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership John-Paul Langbroek said he was deeply concerned.
“A fortnight ago the Palaszczuk Labor Government claimed water contamination in Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire was confined to the Health Centre,” Mr Langbroek said.
Dr Gerrard said the fact lead was being detected in water in government buildings could be attributed to complicated pipework.
“We are undertaking a thorough investigation at Yarrabah,” he said.
“In government buildings there are complicated pipework that can open up for more problems.
“Residential homes have free flowing water and therefore pose less of a risk.”
Yarrabah State School, in the seaside Indigenous community east of Cairns. Picture: Brendan Radke
Dr Gerrard said authorities were working closely to conduct further tests to determine the sources of contamination and if any rectification works were necessary.
While health advice indicated a low risk of exposure to lead at all three sites, Dr Gerrard said the health and wellbeing of children and teaching staff was being prioritised.
“The immediate health risks are minimal,” he said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, children and staff at Yarrabah’s kindergarten, and primary and secondary schools will use bottled water for drinking until we are certain supplies are safe to ingest.
“While this is understandably concerning for the community, it is still safe for children and staff to use the water for nondrinking purposes.
“Free blood testing will also be made available for staff and children, and anyone in Yarrabah who is concerned.”
Loading embed…