Theme park safety blitz kicks off today

Workplace inspectors will hit Queensland theme parks from today, carrying out checks on amusement rides as part of a month-long safety blitz.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said urgent action was required to ensure the safety of theme park visitors following the tragic deaths of four tourists on a rafting ride at Dreamworld on Tuesday.

“Tuesday’s tragic events reverberated around Australia and the world, and my heart goes out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives,” she said.

“These events are being thoroughly investigated by authorities and in addition to this, safety auditors will be hitting Queensland theme parks from today.

“The public safety blitz will commence today at Dreamworld, before rolling out to Wet’n’Wild, Sea World, Aussie World, Australia Zoo and Movie World.

“The audits will be completed by the end of November and be carried out by specialist inspectors and engineers.

“They’ll be looking at records inspection, maintenance and repair and manufacturer documentation in our theme parks.

“Ride operator training and procedure records, along with controls and processes for taking out and returning equipment to service will also come under the spotlight in these safety audits.

“This is about protecting visitors to our theme parks and restoring public confidence in Queensland’s prime tourism assets ahead of the busy Christmas holiday season.”

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548