Probe looks at CPAC fire fears

RATEPAYERS and theatregoers will be rightly concerned that the fire service has ordered fire safety testing of insulation and composite cladding used in the $70.4 million Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

The cost and delays to the building have been worrying enough, but a Cairns Post investigation reveals that there are fears the insulation material beneath the cladding and inside the building is prone to melting at heat.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission has opened an investigation.

The issue may put back the opening of the signature project beyond a December 15 premiere as well as blow out costs.

But council chief executive John Andrejic says the building has met all certifier and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services approvals to date. He says new legislation had impacted the building after the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people in the UK last year.

At this stage there have not been orders to remove any of the materials that have been used and the council is assured that inspections and consultation to date have been part of the normal assessment process.

Mr Andrejic says the council is pleased that the “process is an ongoing and rigorous one and we welcome this level of scrutiny”.

The council is determined the building will open on December 15 before Christmas.

It’s fortunate that the issues have been raised now and not after the building is finished, providing a level of assurance for ratepayers and users. Nick Dalton Deputy editor FOR THE RECORD: The Cairns Post is committed to accurate, fair and fearless publication of news and commentary. But we acknowledge and aim to promptly correct errors when they occur. Corrections, clarifications and explanations the newspaper wishes to make will appear in this space. If you are aware of an error in this newspaper, please contact editorial@cairnspost.com.au or phone 4052 6627.