We perform an important role as a referral agency to provide advice on building work assessable against the Building Act 1975*.
Under the terms of the Planning Act 2016 and associated legislation, referral to us for advice is required for any application for building work that involves a fire safety system and:
- requires special fire services (SFS) mentioned in the Planning Regulation 2017 or
- proposes a performance solution in relation to fire safety.
We are committed to providing stakeholders with a quality value-adding advisory service. By working together, we can create a safer built environment.
Our fees
Fees are applicable under relevant Building Fire Safety Legislation for activities conducted by us.
More information on the fees (PDF, 628 KB) we charge is available for Referral Agency Advice and how to use our Referral Agency Advice Fees Calculator (XLSX, 94.6 KB).
Terms and Conditions (PDF, 98 KB) apply to billing customers for our Referral Agency Advice.
Referral Agency Advice Guidelines and Position Statements
We have a number of guidelines and position statements that will assist you in the Referral Agency Advice process.
Referral Agency Advice Forms
While e-lodgement is the preferred method for lodging referrals, should over the counter submission be required, please use the relevant forms.
Want to know more about the types of meetings and inspections (PDF, 200KB) we conduct?
Scope Reduction Initiative
From 1 January 2015 we have implemented several initiatives as part of our commitment to red tape reduction for the building industry in Queensland. These initiatives are aimed at careful lessening of the requirement for Referral Agency lodgement where appropriate, which will deliver associated cost savings.
Further information is available at Scope Reduction Initiative.
Unwanted alarm guidelines: fire detection and alarm system specified performance
We support building owners and occupiers to minimise the occurrence of unwanted alarms. Part of the strategy to reduce unwanted alarms is to ensure the Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (FDAS) are installed in locations that will not prejudice performance and reliability. This early planning ensures everyday activities, such as cooking, showering and cleaning, do not cause nuisance alarms.
All required FDAS that we will monitor must demonstrate how they are going to achieve specified performance by submitting a Fire Alarm and Building Design Guidelines for the Reduction of Unwanted Alarms report or document. The design team should use a holistic approach to formulate this information rather than just rely on the FDAS designer.
*This publication was produced prior to the current government.