‘Mouldy sheep shed’ used as netball change room closed by Macedon Ranges council amid health concerns

‘Mouldy sheep shed’ used as netball change room closed by Macedon Ranges council amid health concerns

A Central Victorian netball facility described as a “mouldy sheep shed” has been closed by the local council after an air quality assessment.

The Kyneton Football Netball Club complained to the Macedon Ranges Shire Council about the recurring mould several times over the past year.

The council painted over the mould and installed fans before getting a professional in to determine if the facility at Kyneton Showgrounds was safe.

The director of assets and operations with the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Shane Walden, said an air quality assessment was conducted and a hygienist report was done before council decided to close the facility on Wednesday.

a photo showing black marks, mould on wall

Rats and mould have appeared on the walls of the Kyneton netball changeroom.(ABC Central Victoria: Shannon Schubert)

“Council closed the change room facilities as a precaution,” he said.

“Player and community safety is a priority for council and we have acted swiftly to close the facility and explore alternative options.” 

The ABC asked for the result of the air quality assessment and hygienist report, which the council refused.

It also declined to explain what the report said about the quality of the air in the facility.

a photo of a netball ring hanging in sheep shed

The sheep pavilion has been used by both the Kyneton Agricultural Society and the Kyneton Football Netball Club for years.(ABC Central Victoria: Shannon Schubert)

Concern mould could have caused health problems

The netballers have been getting changed in the sheep pavilion for around 10 years.

The ABC understands some players have expressed concerns about the mould exposure’s impact on their health.

a photo of a girl walking out of a changeroom with netballs

It was recommended Ms Savoia wear an N95 face mask when moving the gear out of the change room.(ABC Central Victoria: Shannon Schubert)

Kyneton Football Netball Club netball director Loryn Savoia said she was relieved to hear the facility will be closed.

“It’s been set up as a dual purpose site. It is primarily a sheep pavilion that has been fitted out for our use,” she said.

“It’s certainly not fit for purpose.

“I’m relieved that action has been taken and now we’re looking forward to a suitable facility being provided for us.”

a photo of a girl putting netballs into a shed outside

Ms Savoia said the netballers had complained about mould in their change room several times.(ABC Central Victoria: Shannon Schubert)

Statewide audit of netball facilities underway

Across the state there are several football netball clubs with average or no netball change rooms.

Netball Victoria has commenced a new tracking and auditing system, with a statewide audit of community facilities underway and expected to be complete by mid-2024.

A statewide facilities strategy is due to be released at the end of the year.

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