Dreamworld to remain closed to address 10 improvement and prohibition notices

DREAMWORLD have been ordered to fix 10 new safety issues at the park - including three considered an immediate serious hazard on the popular Buzzsaw roller coaster.

Dreamworld remains closed, a month after the tragedy. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

DREAMWORLD have been ordered to fix 10 new safety issues at the park - including three considered an immediate serious hazard on the popular Buzzsaw roller coaster.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland issued the attraction with seven improvement notices and three prohibition notices after auditing every amusement ride in the 35-year-old park.

The audit was ordered after the death of four people at the park on October 25.

None of the notices relate to the Thunder River Rapids ride on which the fatalities occurred and which Dreamworld management has said will never re-open.

A security guard at Dreamworld. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

The three prohibition notices were served on the Buzzsaw, an extreme rollercoaster ride, but WHSQ said they do not involve rider safety.

Safety inspectors were not happy with maintenance safety harness anchor points on the ride; a staff maintenance procedure error was found relating to a safety chain; and an additional inter-lock gate was needed for the operator’s control booth to restrict operator access to the ride platform during operation.

Five improvement notices were issued relating to rides in WhiteWater World but were linked to staff safety issues around the handling and storage of chemicals.

Flowers at a memorial out the front of Dreamworld on November 9.

Another notice related to tags for electrical equipment and the final one to a maintenance staff member working on the Escape from Madagascar ride not complying with ‘Work at Heights’ requirements.

Dreamworld has been closed since the tragedy which claimed the lives of Cindy Low, Kate Goodchild, her brother Luke Dorsett and his partner Roozbeh Araghi.

Dreamworld CEO Craig Davidson said that as well as the government audit, the park was carrying out its own review using the park’s safety, engineering, operational and maintenance teams as well as leading Australian amusement ride engineers Pitt & Sherry and an international theme park safety expert.

A raft sits at Dreamworld as investigations continue into the fatal accident. Pic Jono Searle.

Royal Life Saving Queensland representatives are on site this week to audit the pools and lifesaving procedures at WhiteWater World.

Mr Davidson said safety is the paramount concern.

“This additional review is a methodical process which we have repeatedly advised will not be rushed,” he said.

“We are unswervingly committed to go well beyond legislative requirements to ensure every one of our 24 rides and 10 water slides at Dreamworld and WhiteWater World exceed even the most stringent of safety measures.”

Industrial Relations Minister, Grace Grace, said the company had co-operated fully with the government inspectors’ investigations.

“WHSQ has issued seven improvement notices to Dreamworld, along with three prohibition notices, none relating to guest safety but focused on the safety of staff and maintenance workers,” Ms Grace said.

“I welcome Dreamworld’s commitment to comply with these notices in full before reopening the park.”

Ms Grace said a statewide audit of amusement parks was due to be finished next week.