Thick, brown dust has been a persistent issue in four suburbs of Adelaide’s south over the past year, causing frustration and health concerns among residents. The dust not only coats outdoor surfaces like cars, but also infiltrates homes and furnishings. Local resident Tony Gold remarked that his house has been “absolutely caked in brown dust” over the last 12 months, adding that his asthma has worsened during this period. Another resident, Barry Santry, highlighted the issue’s pervasiveness, noting that dust enters homes easily when doors are left open.
Many locals attribute the dust problem to construction activities linked with a new housing development by Villawood Homes in Seacliff. A spokesperson for the company suggested that the unusually dry summer, the driest in over 30 years for South Australia, has exacerbated the dust situation. They claimed to be employing recycled water to minimise dust at the construction site.
Both the Marion Council and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) stated that dust mitigation measures are compliant with government standards. However, Marion Council Mayor Kris Hanna noted that despite claims from the developer that they aim to act responsibly, feedback from residents suggests that further action might be necessary to effectively address the problem.
Overall, the ongoing dust issue has left the community disturbed about its implications for their daily lives and health.