Safety defect found in Torquay grandstand seats

A defect discovered in Wurdi Baieer Stadium’s retractable seating has triggered replacement discussions with the supplier, although the grandstand remains safe to use.

Independent testing commissioned by the Surf Coast Shire this week found the plastic seats do not meet the minimum fire safety standards under the National Construction Code.

General manager of community life Damian Waight said the shire moved quickly to investigate after concerns were brought to its attention.

“The seating was installed with compliance documentation supplied at the time of procurement,” he said.

“After installation, we received information that raised concerns the seats supplied may not match those referenced in the compliance certification provided.

“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.”

Waight said interim safety measures were immediately put into effect so the seating could continue to be used while the shire awaited follow-up test results.

“Those follow-up tests have now confirmed the original findings,” he said.

“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.”

These measures include additional checks when the seating is deployed, disconnecting the power to the grandstand once it is in position and requiring staff supervision while the seating is in use.

 

 

Some seats will also be kept vacant to maintain safe access requirements.

The shire is in discussions with the supplier and seeking legal advice as it investigates options available to replace the non-compliant seating.

While a replacement timeline has not yet been confirmed, Waight said the shire hoped the issue could be resolved within months.

“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.

“Our focus is on replacing the seating at a time that minimises disruption to the SBA’s activities and other community uses of the stadium.”

The discovery comes just three months after the grandstand was formally unveiled in March for the opening games of the Surf Coast Chargers’ 2026 basketball season.

While the newly identified defect does not prevent the seating from being used, it is the latest challenge for a project that has faced a number of setbacks since construction was completed.

The retractable grandstand was originally expected to be operational during the 2025 basketball season, but compliance issues relating to aisle widths required redesign work and additional safety measures, including emergency lighting, before it was cleared for public use.

Updates will be available via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/WurdiBaierrSeating