In August 2011, Logan was home to the greatest loss of life in a house fire in Australian history.
Eleven people lost their lives, eight of whom were children.
The tragic Slacks Creek house fire prompted two immediate reactions, which laid the foundation for Queensland today becoming the national leader in smoke alarm legislation.
New legislation which specifies that every Queensland residence will need to be fitted with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms, as well as hallways of residences was today passed in Parliament.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Bill Byrne said the legislation followed recommendations handed down after the 2011 Slacks Creek fatal house fire.
The tragedy prompted an inquest by coroner James McDougall and Logan man Louie Naumovski together with his wife Christine founded the Logan House Fire Support Network (LHFSN).
The coroner’s report recommended that every house be fitted with a photoelectric alarm.
A cause the LHFSN has campaigned vigorously for since its establishment.
“We have worked tirelessly for this,” Mr Naumovski said.
“It is a world first.”
Logan Mayor Luke Smith, who took up the Naumovski’s crusade to see legislation changed last year November said it was a fine outcome.
“Louie and Christine showed incredible determination and hard work to bring about this change, and they deserve our heartfelt thanks and congratulations,” he said.
“They were just regular people fighting for a cause, and they have achieved an incredible outcome that will have a lasting positive impact across our state.
Minister Byrne said a 10-year phased rollout of the legislation would allow ample time for everyone to have their alarms installed correctly.
“Hard-wired, interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms will require a qualified electrician to conduct the installation and ensure the alarms are working as they should be,” he said.
“There is an option to install photoelectric alarms with a 10-year lithium battery that have the capability to achieve interconnectedness wirelessly between alarms.
“This option may be more suitable for Queenslanders living in remote areas where attendance of an electrician could be difficult.
“This technology is proven to save lives and the sooner it is in every Queensland home, the safer we’ll be.”
Legislation changes:
- All houses being built or significantly renovated will need to comply with the smoke alarm legislation upon completion after January 1, 2017.
- All houses leased or sold will need to meet compliance after five years and all owner-occupied private dwellings will need to comply with the legislation within 10 years.
- Any smoke alarm being replaced after January 1, 2017 must be a photoelectric alarm.
