CSIRO backtracks on North Shore fire lab closure following heat from housing industry

The CSIRO may have been too hasty in announcing the closure of a long-standing North Ryde facility, and it is now seeking “further industry engagement” on the decision. 

Housing and construction lobby group the Housing Industry Association (HIA) said on Monday shutting the fire testing facility would have “significant implications” for the delivery of new homes.

“Its closure would remove up to half of Australia's fire-testing capacity at a time when demand for testing and certification is increasing.”

In a statement, the HIA’s Simon Croft said: “The closure of CSIRO's North Ryde Fire Technology Laboratory is more than the loss of a testing facility, it is the loss of nationally significant innovation infrastructure.

"Independent testing capability is fundamental to developing new building products, supporting housing delivery and accelerating modern construction methods. At a time when Australia faces a housing shortage and is seeking to boost productivity, we should be strengthening these capabilities, not reducing them."

The CSIRO told the Lorikeet in May the laboratory would close in December, following “an extensive assessment of [the CSIRO’s] long-term property strategy”. 

But on Monday, following inquiries from the Lorikeet about the HIA’s criticism, the CSIRO said that following a “significant amount of feedback” it would now investigate “any feasible alternatives to deliver the services provided at North Ryde”. 

What is it: Operating since 1944, the North Ryde facility is used for testing the resistance of construction materials to fire. It is on Julius Avenue and contains multiple industrial furnaces.

L&A Fazzini Manufacturing has used the facility for over 50 years. Previously, a company director claimed if the North Ryde lab closed, the nearest replacement would be in Canberra, and would be privately operated, not independent. 

Housing industry: Two NSW architect groups (The Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Association of Consulting Architects) have also criticised the closure. 

In a joint statement, the groups said they “strongly support the retention of independent fire-testing capability within NSW”.