The Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) NSW Chapter and the Association of Consulting Architects (ACA) NSW Branch welcome the recent announcement that the lease on the CSISO North Ryde facility will be extended until June 2027.
This extension allows for the continuation of essential testing capabilities across NSW and Australia. Given the importance of independent fire-testing infrastructure to architects, engineers, regulators, and industry, the RAIA NSW Chapter and ACA NSW Branch strongly support the retention of independent fire-testing capability within NSW and across Australia.
However, the proposed closure without reassurances about an equivalent replacement presents significant risk to the ongoing national need for independent, national fire testing capacity.
Given the importance of independent fire-testing infrastructure to architects, engineers, regulators, and industry, we are still seeking to understand how this will impact Australia’s fire testing capability into the future.
Quotes attributable to Elizabeth Carpenter, NSW President, Australian Institute of Architects:
“The North Ryde facility plays a critical role in supporting building safety, product certification, National Construction Code compliance and innovation across the built environment sector.”
“Since learning of the proposed closure, the Institute has advocated strongly for this nationally significant facility through engagement with ministers, parliamentarians, industry stakeholders and the media.”
“While important questions remain about the long-term future of fire-testing capacity in Australia, we are grateful for this extension and the opportunity it provides to develop a sustainable, long-term solution.”
Quotes attributable to Stephen Pearse, Association of Consulting Architects NSW/ACT Advocacy spokesperson:
“Great work from RAIA, ACA, and ACIF to have this closure decision reconsidered.
“We at the ACA continue to work with our industry partners to advocate for outcomes in the interest of the consumer.
“Materials testing by nonaligned bodies, such as the CSIRO, is essential in the delivery of safe buildings especially with the current need for quantity and speed in our housing sector. CSIRO testing is vitally important to allow innovation in the delivery systems required to meet this rapidly evolving market.
