Australia could soon lose one of its most important fire testing facilities, raising concerns about building safety, construction delays and the future of product innovation.

The national science agency, CSIRO, has confirmed it will close its Fire Technology Laboratory at North Ryde, New South Wales, when its lease expires in December. The decision has prompted widespread concern across the construction and fire safety sectors, with industry organisations warning it could have long-term consequences.

Why is the facility important?

Fire testing facilities play an important role in ensuring construction products and building systems perform safely during a fire.

From wall systems and insulation to cladding, windows and bushfire-resistant materials, manufacturers rely on independent testing to demonstrate that products meet Australia's safety requirements before they can be used in buildings.

The North Ryde laboratory has supported this work for decades and is believed to account for a significant proportion of Australia's large-scale fire testing capacity.

What could the closure mean?

Industry bodies say losing the facility could lead to delays in product testing and certification.

With fewer testing facilities available, manufacturers may face longer waiting times before new products can be approved, potentially slowing construction projects and delaying the introduction of new building technologies.

There are also concerns that some testing may need to be carried out overseas, raising questions about consistency with Australian building codes and standards.

Concerns for building safety

Beyond project delays, many professionals believe the closure could have wider implications for building safety.

Independent fire testing supports confidence in the products used throughout Australia's built environment. As building regulations continue to evolve following recent fire safety reforms, access to reliable testing facilities remains an important part of ensuring compliance and maintaining public confidence.

Industry groups have also highlighted the importance of retaining specialist expertise, noting that fire testing relies not only on highly specialised equipment but also on experienced engineers and technical staff.

Calls for a long-term solution

Several organisations have called on the Australian Government and CSIRO to delay the closure until an alternative solution is in place.

Rather than keeping the existing site open indefinitely, the focus is on ensuring Australia maintains independent fire testing capability without any interruption to services.

With demand for safer, more sustainable and more innovative construction continuing to grow, many believe maintaining strong national testing capability will remain essential for supporting both building safety and future development.

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