NSW fun park shuts down rides after safety violations

In New South Wales, the owner of an amusement park, John Grant, faces a recent court order that mandates the dismantling of over two dozen attractions, following an intense legal battle that spanned three years with Kiama municipal council. This legal case escalated in 2021 when Grant sought to prevent council officials from inspecting the premises, which had been labeled as hosting 'high-risk' rides. Despite Grant's claims of having made significant investments—amounting to more than $10 million—to establish unique attractions at Granties Maze in Foxground, the judgment made by Justice John Robson underscored the inadequate safety measures present at the park. The council obtained expert testimony highlighting various safety violations and operational failures among the rides. Results showed that a number of attractions were deemed 'materially unsafe,' which became critical in the court's decision to endorse the council’s request for dismantling. Throughout this period, Grant expressed disappointment over the judgment, suggesting that he had previously collaborated with SafeWork NSW, who frequently inspected the park, indicating his objection to the claim that the rides were unsafe. As a seasoned owner at the age of 76, Grant aimed for profitability to ensure his legacy could be passed on to his children, with aspirations to expand the park, including the introduction of a rollercoaster, although he cited financial limitations hindering such developments. The situation has underscored tension within the local government and private enterprises regarding safety standards and compliance within the amusement park context—a dilemma prevalent not only in New South Wales but potentially widespread across Australia’s amusement sectors.