State Community Safety Unit
The State Community Safety Unit oversees the review and implementation of all legal aspects of fire safety, particularly in reference to buildings and venues wherever there may be large groups of people.
A team of Building Approval Officers (BAOs), stationed throughout Queensland, conduct many tasks relating to building fire safety including:
- Review plans for new buildings to ensure adherence to all aspects of building regulations and make appropriate recommendations for alterations. Recommendations are generally always implemented.
- Conduct progressive on-site inspections of buildings being built to ensure compliance with approved plans.
- Conduct final inspections of new buildings so that a certificate of occupancy can be issued. This inspection confirms that all required equipment and devices have been installed and are operational and servicable.
A team of Safety Assessment Officers (SAOs), also stationed throughout Queensland, conduct inspections of existing buildings and any populated venues to ensure compliance with all regulations relating to fire safety. The main areas of attention are non-overcrowding, coupled with ensuring adequate evacuation capacity. The development of comprehensive Fire Safety Plans is also closely monitored.
Current Unit Sections/Projects
Fire Investigation and Research Section
In conjunction with Police and other relevant authorities, this section investigates causes of fires where there is no apparent criminality. The main purposes of these investigations is for insurance and informational/statistical analysis. This section is also responsible for developing and conducting a world-leading course for the formal training of fire investigators.
Compliance and Prosecutions Section
The section's key objectives are:
- To achieve widespread community compliance with fire safety laws.
- To enhance community safety using statutory powers and infringement notices.
- To prosecute offences against fire safety laws.
Budget Accommodation Project - Stage 2 (BOLA II)
The project's key functions are:
- To substantially raise levels of fire safety in Budget Acommodation Buildings.
- Assist all Budget Accommodation Building owners in preparing and following a Fire Safety Management Plan.
- Assist in implementing the fire safety reforms following the Childers Backpacker Fire.
Building Fire Safety Section
This section performs a mentoring and consulting role to the team of BAOs and SAOs.
Fire Industry Licensing Project
The main aim of this project is to progress Recommendation Four of the report into budget accommodation in Queensland, implemented after the Palace Backpackers Hostel fire in Childers in June 2000. Recommendation 4 supports the development of an occupational licensing system for the fire protection industry to ensure testing and maintenance of fire safety installations is carried out by people competent to do so. The Fire Industry Licensing Project is progressing the development of a proposed fire industry licensing system in partnership with the Queensland Building Services Authority and key industry stakeholders.
Legislative Review Project
The Legislative Review Project (LRP) was established to implement Recommendation
6 of the Childers Taskforce Report, which states that it is recommended that a
review be undertaken of the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 (primarily in Part
9A) and the Building Fire Safety Regulation 1991.
The project's tasks included the design, development and implementation of a project plan, conduct of consultation and negotiations with a wide range of Government and public stakeholders and the provision of recommendations concerning future enhancements to the FRSA (Fire and Rescue Services Act). The project will be completed when the Act has been amended and the new Regulation is in place.
Once it has completed its work, the LRP will cease to exist and the SCSU and Regions will take over administering the new laws.
Contact us:
For more information, please call your closest Community Safety Office.
| Region | Office | Phone Number |
Far North |
Cairns |
(07) 4042 5460 |
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Northern |
Townsville |
(07) 4724 4327 |
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Central |
Mackay |
(07) 4953 0581 |
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Rockhampton |
(07) 4938 4890 |
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North Coast |
Bundaberg |
(07) 4150 7990 |
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Caloundra |
(07) 5436 4210 |
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Maryborough |
(07) 4121 7841 |
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South East |
Beenleigh |
(07) 3884 8288 |
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Ipswich |
(07) 3280 6806 |
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Southport |
(07) 5583 7578 |
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South West |
Toowoomba |
(07) 4638 2844 |
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Brisbane |
Brisbane (North) |
(07) 3247 8045 |
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Brisbane (South) |
(07) 3362 9932 |
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