Page 2056 - Week 05 - Thursday, 3 May 2012
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Ms Gallagher: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) All playgrounds managed by the Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) Directorate were designed and built in line with the Australian and ACT standards for playgrounds in effect at the time of building.
The most recent edition of the Australian Standards for playgrounds came into effect toward the end of 2005. The current standard is not retrospective - hence there is no requirement for organisations to immediately update playgrounds built prior to 2004. However, the ACT Government has a Playground Safety Program to progressively update playgrounds to meet the new standards.
The referenced quote on the TAMS website related to a style of playground installed prior to 2004. Whilst this style of playground still complied with the standards in effect at the time of construction, many elements of this type of playground no longer complied with the most recent edition of the Australian Standard. In 2004 there were 58 playgrounds of this style in the ACT.
As part of the Playground Safety Program, 42 playgrounds in this style have been removed or upgraded since the new standard has come into effect. The remaining playgrounds in this style are progressively being updated through the renewal program, based on their level of risk, priority rating and ongoing annual program funding.
The terminology ‘high risk’ used on the TAMS website is standard technical terminology used internationally within risk management practices. It is apparent that this terminology has the potential to be misinterpreted. Accordingly, the reference on the TAMS website will be amended to ‘high priority for renewal’.
(2) 16 playgrounds in this style remain. To renew these playgrounds approximately $1.920 million would be required.
(3) Replacement of the remaining higher priority playgrounds will be achieved through the Playground Safety Program. TAMS manages approximately 500 playgrounds throughout the ACT and upgrades to playgrounds and any major improvements are prioritised according to playground safety needs. This is achieved through regular compliance audits of all ACT playgrounds to determine an upgrade priority list. The upgrade is then delivered through the Playground Safety Program. The playgrounds identified for attention are refurbished consistent with current Australian Standards with funding of approximately $1 million per year (based on current funding patterns).
(4) Safety warning signs are not considered necessary at these playgrounds as they are considered safe and fit for purpose. The safety of playgrounds is maintained through the regular maintenance inspections and the Playground Safety Program.
(5) Six accidents were reported to have occurred since 2004 in playgrounds with play equipment that is non compliant with the current standards. In one incident the play equipment most likely contributed to the event where a panel was missing from a climbing unit; in two incidents the play equipment did not contribute; and in the remaining three incidents, based on information provided in Accident and Incident Reports, it is not possible to determine if the non compliance with 2004 standards directly related to the reported incident.
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