Cladding test questionable

HAS Cairns Regional Council taken a shortcut in the testing of the outside cladding of its $71.1 million performing arts centre?

It appears the council has used a non-approved certifier to test the cladding.

The council has submitted its fire engineering report to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services after testing was conducted at a controlled facility near Canberra last month.

Fire services have 20 days to review and provide feedback to the council.

But Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford claims the testing company used was not an approved certifier.

A council statement said: “It (testing) confirms that the external cladding arrangement does comply with the requirements of the relevant sections of the Building Code of Australia.”

The council said the report addressed all aspects of the building’s fire risk and prevention and mitigation measures and categorised the cladding and building as “low risk”.

Has the council rushed through the testing to ensure the building will be ready for the gala opening on December 15?

The council is confident the testing meets the relevant standards.

Mayor Bob Manning says the council had worked closely with fire engineering experts and the QFES throughout the design and construction of the CPAC.

“It is our intention to provide a facility that is not only attractive and functional, but is also safe for our community,” he said.

We’ll know in less than three weeks whether fire and emergency services accept the testing results and signs off on the report. Nick Dalton Deputy editor