AusLeisure

The Queensland Government has released a statement announcing that it "accepts" the findings of Coroner James McDougall in his report into the deaths of four guests killed while riding Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids Ride in October 2016.

Released yesterday and not attributed to any Minister in the Queensland Government, the statement advised “the matter has been referred to the independent Work Health and Safety Prosecutor to decide whether action will be taken against Dreamworld’s owner, Ardent Leisure, under the Work Health and Safety Act.”

The statement also advised that the “majority of recommendations in the findings have already been implemented by the decisive steps we have taken in the past three years to improve safety on amusement rides.

“But we are conducting a thorough examination of the recommendations to determine if more needs to be done to ensure the highest levels of safety in theme parks.”

Referring to laws “which are nothing short of world class”, the statement goes on to say “we have a new regulatory framework in place which fundamentally improves the approach and safety standard for amusement rides and theme parks in Queensland”.

The statement also advised that the “majority of recommendations in the findings have already been implemented by the decisive steps we have taken in the past three years to improve safety on amusement rides.

“But we are conducting a thorough examination of the recommendations to determine if more needs to be done to ensure the highest levels of safety in theme parks.”

Referring to laws “which are nothing short of world class”, the statement goes on to say “we have a new regulatory framework in place which fundamentally improves the approach and safety standard for amusement rides and theme parks in Queensland”.

These laws include:

• Mandatory major inspections of all amusement rides by qualified engineers every ten years – this is in in addition to the mandatory annual inspections which are already required.
• More stringent operator training. 
• A comprehensive safety case and licensing regime for major theme parks that includes a full safety assessment of all rides at the park.  
• More stringent record keeping for all amusement rides in relation to inspections, maintenance and operator competency.

The statement went on to say “we have strengthened Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s (WHSQ) capabilities through a stronger focus on enforcement and compliance, including comprehensive annual audits on all six major theme parks.

“We have begun developing a Code of Practice for the industry to complement the new regulations.

We have employed 33 additional inspectors, including three engineers to oversee the new safety requirements for major amusement parks.

“In addition to the comprehensive training inspectors already receive, they also now receive specific training on amusement device safety.”

It concludes “we are committed to providing the highest safety standards, from rides at carnivals and school fairs, to those at our major theme parks.”

Image: The Thunder River Rapids Ride in operation at Dreamworld prior to the October 2016 fatalities.

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