Arts centre opening faces baptism of fire

EMPLOYING a massive roster of security guards to look out for fires could be the only way the Cairns Performing Arts Centre opens on time.

Mayor Bob Manning put on a brave face while unveiling the first major production at the new centre – Cairns Choral Society performances of offBroadway musical Wicked from January 19.

Cairns Regional Council still needs to run the gauntlet before then, but Cr Manning is still committed to a gala opening event on December 15.

“There were some matters where the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services had some concerns and, when those people have got some concerns, then we have to address those or at least take them seriously,” he said yesterday.

“But the building certifier Wicked and QFES will sort that out with the contractors working to close those gaps off.

“Everything’s going to be fine.”

The fat lady has not sung yet, but things are not quite as simple as the mayor made out.

Emergency Services Minis- ter Craig Crawford said the council, building certifier and QFES had reached a verbal agreement on what changes needed to happen.

“The primary issue, by far, is that the majority of cladding and insulation used on the building is flammable,” he said.

“The council offered up a lot of ideas about how they could make the building more safe.

“That could include adding extra detection systems, sprinkler systems, engineering work, and replacing some of the cladding with nonflammable cladding.

“It’s almost like compartmentalising parts of the walls so, if it did catch fire, it would only spread so far.” Mr Crawford said QFES would discuss short-term fixes to get the building temporarily ticked off for opening night.

One option is to employ extra security guards to “literally walk around the building non-stop” and ring triple-0 immediately if any fire is spotted.

“Cost isn’t an issue to us as a fire service,” Mr Crawford said.

“There’s probably some hefty prices there but it has to be done to make sure the building opens safely.”

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Picture: CHRIS CALCINO MAGIC IN THE AIR: Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning and Kristyn Knox dressed as Glinda the Good Witch prepare for the Cairns Performing Arts Centre's opening string of performances of Wicked the musical by the Cairns Choral Society from January 19, 2019.