A clean-up program to deliver public housing residents in Port Pirie a healthier home environment has been expanded, helping more families to reduce lead exposure.

Improvements to 49 properties – six more than originally planned – are being carried out and aim to minimise dust entry into homes where children under five live, ensuring safer homes and yards to live and play in.

Work includes sealing windows and door gaps, covering bare dirt yards with suitable material such as garden mulch and gravel, installing undercover play areas with synthetic turf, and improving stormwater drainage.

Thirty-six SA Housing Authority homes have been upgraded under the $2.5 million program so far, with all 49 homes expected to be completed by July 2024.

Tenants can remain in their homes while the work is underway and are provided information on other support and programs available.

The public housing initiative – part of the Port Pirie Lead Abatement Project – is in addition to the solutions being delivered by a multi-agency Port Pirie Task Force, established in partnership with Nyrstar and Port Pirie Regional Council.

The separate Targeted Lead Abatement Program, TLAP, is a joint state government/Nyrstar-funded strategy which began in 2014 to reduce lead blood lead levels in children in Port Pirie and improve health outcomes in the community.