New safety rules for Queensland theme parks and attractions now in force

May 17, 2019

Amusement rides and theme parks in Queensland are now subject to tougher safety regulations that will require regulations will require major inspections of rides by qualified engineers every 10 years and improved training of ride operators.

Introduced from 1st May in the wake of incidents including four fatalities at Dreamworld in 2016, the regulations also demand that major amusement parks will have to adhere to a new Safety Case and Licensing System.

Inspections, maintenance and operator competency will also have to be properly recorded.

Commenting on the new regulations, Queensland Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace says the changes ensure Queensland's amusement rides and theme parks were as safe as possible.

She advised "the tragedy at Dreamworld shocked and saddened us all.

"We are taking action to ensure tourists and the wider community have faith in the safety measures that are in place."

The changes pre-empt the findings of a coronial inquest into deaths of Cindy Low, Kate Goodchild, her brother Luke Dorsett and his partner Roozbeh Araghi on Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride in October 2016.

Minister Grace said the Coroner's impending findings would be examined once handed down and further amendments made to the regulations if required.

The Queensland Government has also appointed its first Work Health Safety Prosecutor, with Aaron Guilfoyle, a former Assistant Director for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, taking on the role.

Guilfoyle will lead a new independent statutory office focused on workplace health and safety and electrical safety prosecutions.

Minister Grace said the new statutory office and the appointment of a Work Health and Safety Prosecutor delivered on a key recommendation of a best practice review of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

She advised "the best practice review followed the Dreamworld tragedy and two workplace deaths in 2016 at Eagle Farm racecourse, which shocked and saddened us all.

“We’ve put in place a stronger framework to deliver an independent and robust workplace prosecution system that Queenslanders can have confidence in.

“The appointment of Mr Guilfoyle coincides with tougher, best practice safety requirements for Queensland amusement rides and theme parks from (1st) May.”

Images: Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids ride in operation prior to October 2016 (top) and Queensland Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace (below).

8th April 2019 - Ardent Leisure borrows $225 million for attractions investment

4th March 2019 - Queensland Goverment reveals tougher safety regulations for amusement rides and theme parks

7th December 2018 - Dreamworld reputation savaged at inquest

29th October 2018 - Father and son drown at Airlie Beach lagoon

19th October 2018 - Coroner seeks proof that all Dreamworld rides had safety certification

2nd August 2018 - Queensland Government set to enforce tough safety rules for amusement rides

16th June 2018 - Family members call for 24/7 gym regulation over man’s death in unsupervised gym

31st May 2018 - Coroner calls for better training and safety improvements after Queensland scuba-diving deaths

24th August 2017 - AALARA supports new Queensland safety legislation but asks for improved consultation on changes

11th December 2014 - Carnival ride worker crushed to death in Queensland

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