Surf Coast Shire says independent testing has shown new seating at the Wurdi Baierr Stadium does not meet National Construction Code minimum fire safety standards.
Council says it was installed with compliance documentation provided, but concerns led to further testing.
General Manager Community Life Damian Waight said they acted once concerns were raised.
“After installation, we received information that raised concerns the seats supplied may not match those referenced in the compliance certification provided,” he said.
“With community safety as our priority, we acted on this information by commissioning preliminary testing, which indicated the seats did not meet the required standard.
“We immediately put interim safety measures in place so the seating could continue to be used while we awaited follow-up test results. Those follow-up tests have now confirmed the original findings.”
Council says the seating can still be used under strict conditions as it looks at its next steps.
The code includes additional checks when putting seating in place, leaving some seats vacant and turning off power once the seats are in place.
“The safety measures remain in place and the seating can be used while we work on a long-term solution, which will likely involve replacing the seats
“We know this news is disappointing for the Surfcoast Basketball Association and its members,” Waight said.
“The association worked hard to secure these seats, and it’s frustrating to now face this setback after that effort.”
