{"id":"qld:sl-2011-0160","name":"Fire Services Regulation 2011","slug":"fire-services-regulation-2011","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"qld","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"160 of 2011","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":175698,"registerId":"qld-qld:sl-2011-0160-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"pt.1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Preliminary","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"sec.1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### sec.1 Short title\n\nThis regulation may be cited as the Fire Services Regulation 2011 .\ns 1 amd 2015 SL No. 56 s 8 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"sec.2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### sec.2 Commencement\n\nThis regulation commences on 1 September 2011.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"sec.3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions","content":"### sec.3 Definitions\n\nThe dictionary in schedule 5 defines particular words used in this regulation.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"pt.2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Control and prevention of fires","content":"# Control and prevention of fires","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"sec.4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Requirements for a request for issue of a prohibition notice— Act , s 145B","content":"### sec.4 Requirements for a request for issue of a prohibition notice— Act , s 145B\n\nA request under section 145B (2) of the Act , must be made to the commissioner in writing and include the following—\nthe name and address of the person making the request;\nthe address or location of the adjoining land;\nattaching a map or plan showing the location of the adjoining land\nthe reasons for the request.\nThe person making the request must give a copy of the request to the occupier of adjoining land.\ns 4 amd 2023 Act No. 11 s 34 s ch 1 pt 1 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1\n(sec.4-ssec.1) A request under section 145B (2) of the Act , must be made to the commissioner in writing and include the following— the name and address of the person making the request; the address or location of the adjoining land; attaching a map or plan showing the location of the adjoining land the reasons for the request.\n(sec.4-ssec.2) The person making the request must give a copy of the request to the occupier of adjoining land.\n- (a) the name and address of the person making the request;\n- (b) the address or location of the adjoining land; Example of paragraph (b) — attaching a map or plan showing the location of the adjoining land\n- (c) the reasons for the request.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"sec.5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Requirements for an application for a permit to light a fire— Act , s 145C","content":"### sec.5 Requirements for an application for a permit to light a fire— Act , s 145C\n\nAn application under section 145C (1) of the Act , to the commissioner for a permit to light a fire on any land must include the following—\nthe applicant’s name and address;\nthe real property description of the land on which the fire is to be lit (the subject land );\nthe address or location of the subject land;\nthe location of the part of the subject land on which the fire is to be lit;\ngiving a map or plan showing the part of the subject land concerned\nthe name and address of every occupier of adjoining land known by the applicant;\nthe steps taken by the applicant to notify every occupier of adjoining land about the application and when the steps were taken;\nif the applicant knows an occupier of adjoining land objects to the lighting of the fire—\na statement that the occupier objects; and\nany reasons for the objection given to the applicant by the occupier.\ns 5 amd 2023 Act No. 11 s 34 s ch 1 pt 1 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1\n- (a) the applicant’s name and address;\n- (b) the real property description of the land on which the fire is to be lit (the subject land );\n- (c) the address or location of the subject land;\n- (d) the location of the part of the subject land on which the fire is to be lit; Example of paragraph (d) — giving a map or plan showing the part of the subject land concerned\n- (e) the name and address of every occupier of adjoining land known by the applicant;\n- (f) the steps taken by the applicant to notify every occupier of adjoining land about the application and when the steps were taken;\n- (g) if the applicant knows an occupier of adjoining land objects to the lighting of the fire— (i) a statement that the occupier objects; and (ii) any reasons for the objection given to the applicant by the occupier.\n- (i) a statement that the occupier objects; and\n- (ii) any reasons for the objection given to the applicant by the occupier.\n- (i) a statement that the occupier objects; and\n- (ii) any reasons for the objection given to the applicant by the occupier.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"pt.2A","sectionType":"part","heading":"Smoke alarms for caravans and motorised caravans","content":"# Smoke alarms for caravans and motorised caravans","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"sec.5A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed place for installation of smoke alarm— Act , ss 148N and 148O","content":"### sec.5A Prescribed place for installation of smoke alarm— Act , ss 148N and 148O\n\nFor sections 148N (3) (a) and 148O (3) (a) of the Act , the place where a smoke alarm must be installed is on the ceiling of a caravan or motorised caravan.\ns 5A ins 2024 Act No. 22 s 85","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"sec.5B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed additional requirements for smoke alarms— Act , ss 148N and 148O","content":"### sec.5B Prescribed additional requirements for smoke alarms— Act , ss 148N and 148O\n\nFor sections 148N (3) (c) and 148O (3) (c) of the Act , a smoke alarm must—\ncomply with AS 3786–2014; and\ncontain a photoelectric sensor; and\ncontain a mechanism for silencing the alarm; and\nbe powered by a battery that is—\nbuilt into the smoke alarm in a way that prevents the battery being removed; and\nmanufactured to power the smoke alarm for at least 10 years without being recharged.\nIn this section—\nAS 3786–2014 means AS 3786–2014 (Australian standard for smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization).\ns 5B ins 2024 Act No. 22 s 85\n(sec.5B-ssec.1) For sections 148N (3) (c) and 148O (3) (c) of the Act , a smoke alarm must— comply with AS 3786–2014; and contain a photoelectric sensor; and contain a mechanism for silencing the alarm; and be powered by a battery that is— built into the smoke alarm in a way that prevents the battery being removed; and manufactured to power the smoke alarm for at least 10 years without being recharged.\n(sec.5B-ssec.2) In this section— AS 3786–2014 means AS 3786–2014 (Australian standard for smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization).\n- (a) comply with AS 3786–2014; and\n- (b) contain a photoelectric sensor; and\n- (c) contain a mechanism for silencing the alarm; and\n- (d) be powered by a battery that is— (i) built into the smoke alarm in a way that prevents the battery being removed; and (ii) manufactured to power the smoke alarm for at least 10 years without being recharged.\n- (i) built into the smoke alarm in a way that prevents the battery being removed; and\n- (ii) manufactured to power the smoke alarm for at least 10 years without being recharged.\n- (i) built into the smoke alarm in a way that prevents the battery being removed; and\n- (ii) manufactured to power the smoke alarm for at least 10 years without being recharged.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"pt.2B","sectionType":"part","heading":"Use of unregistered vehicles","content":"# Use of unregistered vehicles","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"sec.5C","sectionType":"section","heading":"Persons and purposes prescribed for use of unregistered vehicle on road— Act , s 152B","content":"### sec.5C Persons and purposes prescribed for use of unregistered vehicle on road— Act , s 152B\n\nFor section 152B (1) (a) (ii) of the Act , this section prescribes persons and purposes for the use of an unregistered vehicle on a road under section 152B of the Act .\nEach of the following persons is prescribed for the purpose stated for the person—\na member of a fire brigade, or another entity that provides an emergency service, from outside Queensland—for a purpose mentioned in section 152B (1) (a) (i) (A) , (B), or (C) of the Act ;\na person, including, for example, a mechanic, maintaining or repairing the vehicle—for the purpose of carrying out the maintenance or repair or another purpose incidental to that purpose.\nIn this section—\nfire brigade includes an entity similar to a fire brigade that has the function of extinguishing fire.\ns 5C ins 2025 SL No. 53 s 13\n(sec.5C-ssec.1) For section 152B (1) (a) (ii) of the Act , this section prescribes persons and purposes for the use of an unregistered vehicle on a road under section 152B of the Act .\n(sec.5C-ssec.2) Each of the following persons is prescribed for the purpose stated for the person— a member of a fire brigade, or another entity that provides an emergency service, from outside Queensland—for a purpose mentioned in section 152B (1) (a) (i) (A) , (B), or (C) of the Act ; a person, including, for example, a mechanic, maintaining or repairing the vehicle—for the purpose of carrying out the maintenance or repair or another purpose incidental to that purpose.\n(sec.5C-ssec.3) In this section— fire brigade includes an entity similar to a fire brigade that has the function of extinguishing fire.\n- (a) a member of a fire brigade, or another entity that provides an emergency service, from outside Queensland—for a purpose mentioned in section 152B (1) (a) (i) (A) , (B), or (C) of the Act ;\n- (b) a person, including, for example, a mechanic, maintaining or repairing the vehicle—for the purpose of carrying out the maintenance or repair or another purpose incidental to that purpose.","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"pt.3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Funding","content":"# Funding","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"sec.6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Administration fee— Act , s 152R","content":"### sec.6 Administration fee— Act , s 152R\n\nFor section 152R (4) of the Act , the administration fee to which a local government is entitled for a financial year must be calculated in the following way—\nif N is not more than 40,000—the amount worked out using the following formula—\nif N is more than 40,000—the amount worked out using the following formula—\nIn this section—\nN means the number of prescribed properties for which the local government gives levy notices for the financial year.\ns 6 amd 2013 SL No. 110 s 11 ; 2014 SL No. 109 s 3 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1\n(sec.6-ssec.1) For section 152R (4) of the Act , the administration fee to which a local government is entitled for a financial year must be calculated in the following way— if N is not more than 40,000—the amount worked out using the following formula— if N is more than 40,000—the amount worked out using the following formula—\n(sec.6-ssec.2) In this section— N means the number of prescribed properties for which the local government gives levy notices for the financial year.\n- (a) if N is not more than 40,000—the amount worked out using the following formula—\n- (b) if N is more than 40,000—the amount worked out using the following formula—","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"sec.7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Constitution of levy districts— Act , s 152G","content":"### sec.7 Constitution of levy districts— Act , s 152G\n\nFor section 152G (1) (a) of the Act , a part of the State shown on a levy district map is constituted a levy district.\nFor section 152G (1) (b) of the Act , a levy district shown on a levy district map is assigned the name stated on the levy district map.\nIn this section—\nlevy district map means a map held by the commissioner immediately before 1 July 2024—\nshowing a part of the State as a levy district; and\nstating a name for the levy district.\nA copy of a levy district map is available for inspection, without charge, at the head office or a regional office of the department during normal business hours.\ns 7 amd 2012 SL No. 91 s 10 ; 2013 SL No. 110 s 12 ; 2017 SL No. 87 s 8 ; 2018 SL No. 79 s 8 ; 2019 SL No. 110 s 8 ; 2020 SL No. 124 s 9 ; 2021 SL No. 80 s 9 ; 2022 SL No. 82 s 4\nsub 2023 SL No. 69 s 4\namd 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1 ; 2024 SL No. 112 s 4\n(sec.7-ssec.1) For section 152G (1) (a) of the Act , a part of the State shown on a levy district map is constituted a levy district.\n(sec.7-ssec.2) For section 152G (1) (b) of the Act , a levy district shown on a levy district map is assigned the name stated on the levy district map.\n(sec.7-ssec.3) In this section— levy district map means a map held by the commissioner immediately before 1 July 2024— showing a part of the State as a levy district; and stating a name for the levy district. A copy of a levy district map is available for inspection, without charge, at the head office or a regional office of the department during normal business hours.\n- (a) showing a part of the State as a levy district; and\n- (b) stating a name for the levy district.","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"sec.7A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Property that is not prescribed property— Act , s 152E","content":"### sec.7A Property that is not prescribed property— Act , s 152E\n\nFor section 152E of the Act , definition prescribed property , each of the following classes of property is prescribed not to be prescribed property—\nindigenous land;\nproperty to which any of the following categories apply, if the levy class for the property is class E—\ncemetery;\nclub that is not licensed premises;\nchurch, church hall or community hall;\ncommunity protection centre;\nlibrary, museum, art gallery or zoo;\ntourist attraction (less than 4050m 2 );\nairfield;\nshowground or racecourse, other than a major Brisbane venue.\nIn this section—\nindigenous land means land held under a following Act by, or on behalf of or for the benefit of, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander inhabitants or purposes—\nAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Holding Act 2013 ;\nAboriginal Land Act 1991 ;\nLand Act 1994 ;\nTorres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 .\ns 7A ins 2013 SL No. 110 s 13 ; 2014 SL No. 109 s 4\namd 2014 Act No. 45 s 58 sch 1 pt 2 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1 ; 2025 SL No. 53 s 14\n(sec.7A-ssec.1) For section 152E of the Act , definition prescribed property , each of the following classes of property is prescribed not to be prescribed property— indigenous land; property to which any of the following categories apply, if the levy class for the property is class E— cemetery; club that is not licensed premises; church, church hall or community hall; community protection centre; library, museum, art gallery or zoo; tourist attraction (less than 4050m 2 ); airfield; showground or racecourse, other than a major Brisbane venue.\n(sec.7A-ssec.2) In this section— indigenous land means land held under a following Act by, or on behalf of or for the benefit of, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander inhabitants or purposes— Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Holding Act 2013 ; Aboriginal Land Act 1991 ; Land Act 1994 ; Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 .\n- (a) indigenous land;\n- (b) property to which any of the following categories apply, if the levy class for the property is class E— (i) cemetery; (ii) club that is not licensed premises; (iii) church, church hall or community hall; (iv) community protection centre; (v) library, museum, art gallery or zoo; (vi) tourist attraction (less than 4050m 2 ); (vii) airfield; (viii) showground or racecourse, other than a major Brisbane venue.\n- (i) cemetery;\n- (ii) club that is not licensed premises;\n- (iii) church, church hall or community hall;\n- (iv) community protection centre;\n- (v) library, museum, art gallery or zoo;\n- (vi) tourist attraction (less than 4050m 2 );\n- (vii) airfield;\n- (viii) showground or racecourse, other than a major Brisbane venue.\n- (i) cemetery;\n- (ii) club that is not licensed premises;\n- (iii) church, church hall or community hall;\n- (iv) community protection centre;\n- (v) library, museum, art gallery or zoo;\n- (vi) tourist attraction (less than 4050m 2 );\n- (vii) airfield;\n- (viii) showground or racecourse, other than a major Brisbane venue.\n- (a) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Holding Act 2013 ;\n- (b) Aboriginal Land Act 1991 ;\n- (c) Land Act 1994 ;\n- (d) Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991 .","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"sec.8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Levy classes for levy districts generally— Act , s 152I","content":"### sec.8 Levy classes for levy districts generally— Act , s 152I\n\nFor the financial year starting on 1 July 2025, this section applies in relation to the levy class of a levy district subject to section 8A .\nThe levy class of a levy district for a financial year is class A if, immediately before the financial year, there was in the district a fire station with at least 16 full-time fire officers.\nThe levy class of a levy district for a financial year is class B if, immediately before the financial year, there was in the district—\na fire station with at least 6 full-time fire officers; and\nno fire station with more than 15 full-time fire officers.\nThe levy class of a levy district for a financial year is class C if, immediately before the financial year, there was in the district—\na fire station with at least 1 full-time fire officer; and\nno fire station with more than 5 full-time fire officers.\nThe levy class of a levy district for a financial year is class D if, immediately before the financial year, there was in the district—\na fire station with at least 1 part-time fire officer; and\nno fire station with a full-time fire officer.\nThe levy class of a levy district for a financial year is class E if the district is not part of a levy class under subsection (1) , (2) , (3) or (4) .\nTo help users of this regulation, for a levy district mentioned in subsections (1) to (4) , the levy class of the district is stated in schedule 1 opposite the district.\nIf there is an inconsistency between subsections (1) to (4) and schedule 1 , the subsection prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.\nIn this section—\nfull-time fire officer means a fire officer employed in the service on a full-time basis.\npart-time fire officer means a fire officer employed in the service on a part-time basis.\ns 8 amd 2013 SL No. 110 s 14 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1 ; 2025 SL No. 53 s 15\n(sec.8-ssec.1AA) For the financial year starting on 1 July 2025, this section applies in relation to the levy class of a levy district subject to section 8A .\n(sec.8-ssec.1) The levy class of a levy district for a financial year is class A if, immediately before the financial year, there was in the district a fire station with at least 16 full-time fire officers.\n(sec.8-ssec.2) The levy class of a levy district for a financial year is class B if, immediately before the financial year, there was in the district— a fire station with at least 6 full-time fire officers; and no fire station with more than 15 full-time fire officers.\n(sec.8-ssec.3) The levy class of a levy district for a financial year is class C if, immediately before the financial year, there was in the district— a fire station with at least 1 full-time fire officer; and no fire station with more than 5 full-time fire officers.\n(sec.8-ssec.4) The levy class of a levy district for a financial year is class D if, immediately before the financial year, there was in the district— a fire station with at least 1 part-time fire officer; and no fire station with a full-time fire officer.\n(sec.8-ssec.5) The levy class of a levy district for a financial year is class E if the district is not part of a levy class under subsection (1) , (2) , (3) or (4) .\n(sec.8-ssec.6) To help users of this regulation, for a levy district mentioned in subsections (1) to (4) , the levy class of the district is stated in schedule 1 opposite the district.\n(sec.8-ssec.7) If there is an inconsistency between subsections (1) to (4) and schedule 1 , the subsection prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.\n(sec.8-ssec.8) In this section— full-time fire officer means a fire officer employed in the service on a full-time basis. part-time fire officer means a fire officer employed in the service on a part-time basis.\n- (a) a fire station with at least 6 full-time fire officers; and\n- (b) no fire station with more than 15 full-time fire officers.\n- (a) a fire station with at least 1 full-time fire officer; and\n- (b) no fire station with more than 5 full-time fire officers.\n- (a) a fire station with at least 1 part-time fire officer; and\n- (b) no fire station with a full-time fire officer.","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"sec.8A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Levy classes for particular levy districts for financial year starting 1 July 2025— Act , s 152I","content":"### sec.8A Levy classes for particular levy districts for financial year starting 1 July 2025— Act , s 152I\n\nThis section applies in relation to the levy class of a levy district, other than the levy district of Yelarbon, for the financial year starting on 1 July 2025.\nThe levy class of the levy district for the financial year starting on 1 July 2025 is the levy class that applied in relation to the levy district under section 8 (1) , (2) , (3) , (4) or (5) for the financial year starting on 1 July 2024.\ns 8A ins 2025 SL No. 53 s 16\n(sec.8A-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to the levy class of a levy district, other than the levy district of Yelarbon, for the financial year starting on 1 July 2025.\n(sec.8A-ssec.2) The levy class of the levy district for the financial year starting on 1 July 2025 is the levy class that applied in relation to the levy district under section 8 (1) , (2) , (3) , (4) or (5) for the financial year starting on 1 July 2024.","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"sec.9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Categories of prescribed properties assigned to levy groups— Act , s 152I (3)","content":"### sec.9 Categories of prescribed properties assigned to levy groups— Act , s 152I (3)\n\nSchedule 2 states the categories that apply to prescribed properties according to the purposes for which the properties are used.\nEach category in schedule 2 is assigned to the levy group under which it appears.\nFor deciding the category that applies to a prescribed property, a brewery or distillery with a gross floor area of not more than 15,000m 2 is taken to be commercial premises.\ns 9 amd 2013 SL No. 110 s 15 ; 2019 SL No. 191 s 4 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1\n(sec.9-ssec.1) Schedule 2 states the categories that apply to prescribed properties according to the purposes for which the properties are used.\n(sec.9-ssec.2) Each category in schedule 2 is assigned to the levy group under which it appears.\n(sec.9-ssec.3) For deciding the category that applies to a prescribed property, a brewery or distillery with a gross floor area of not more than 15,000m 2 is taken to be commercial premises.","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"sec.10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Annual contributions of owners of prescribed properties—1 category— Act , s 152I","content":"### sec.10 Annual contributions of owners of prescribed properties—1 category— Act , s 152I\n\nThis section applies to a prescribed property if only 1 category applies to the entire property.\nThe amount of the contribution payable by the owner of the property for a financial year is the amount stated in schedule 2 , column 2, according to—\nthe levy group for the category applying to the property; and\nthe levy class for the property.\nFor deciding the levy group that applies to a property, if the area of the property, or part of the property, (expressed in square metres) or the licensed capacity of an oil or fuel depot or refinery (expressed in litres) includes a fraction, the number must be rounded to the nearest whole number (rounding one-half upwards).\ns 10 amd 2013 SL No. 110 s 16 ; 2014 SL No. 77 s 8 ; 2019 SL No. 110 s 9 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1\n(sec.10-ssec.1) This section applies to a prescribed property if only 1 category applies to the entire property.\n(sec.10-ssec.2) The amount of the contribution payable by the owner of the property for a financial year is the amount stated in schedule 2 , column 2, according to— the levy group for the category applying to the property; and the levy class for the property.\n(sec.10-ssec.3) For deciding the levy group that applies to a property, if the area of the property, or part of the property, (expressed in square metres) or the licensed capacity of an oil or fuel depot or refinery (expressed in litres) includes a fraction, the number must be rounded to the nearest whole number (rounding one-half upwards).\n- (a) the levy group for the category applying to the property; and\n- (b) the levy class for the property.","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"sec.11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Annual contributions of owners of prescribed properties—multiple categories— Act , s 152I","content":"### sec.11 Annual contributions of owners of prescribed properties—multiple categories— Act , s 152I\n\nThis section applies to a prescribed property if there is more than 1 relevant category for the property.\nThe amount of the contribution payable by the owner of the property for a financial year is the amount stated in schedule 2 , column 2, according to—\nthe levy group that would apply to the property if the deciding category applied to the entire property; and\nthe levy class for the property.\nFor deciding the levy group that applies to a property, if the area of the property, or part of the property, (expressed in square metres) or the licensed capacity of an oil or fuel depot or refinery (expressed in litres) includes a fraction, the number must be rounded to the nearest whole number (rounding one-half upwards).\nIn this section—\ndeciding category , for a property, means—\nif 1 of the relevant categories is in a higher levy group than the other relevant categories—that category; or\notherwise—the category in the highest levy group that would apply to the property if the entire property were used for each of the purposes to which the relevant categories relate.\nrelevant category , for a property, means a category applying to the property or part of the property.\ns 11 amd 2013 SL No. 110 s 17 ; 2014 SL No. 77 s 9 ; 2019 SL No. 110 s 10 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1\n(sec.11-ssec.1) This section applies to a prescribed property if there is more than 1 relevant category for the property.\n(sec.11-ssec.2) The amount of the contribution payable by the owner of the property for a financial year is the amount stated in schedule 2 , column 2, according to— the levy group that would apply to the property if the deciding category applied to the entire property; and the levy class for the property.\n(sec.11-ssec.3) For deciding the levy group that applies to a property, if the area of the property, or part of the property, (expressed in square metres) or the licensed capacity of an oil or fuel depot or refinery (expressed in litres) includes a fraction, the number must be rounded to the nearest whole number (rounding one-half upwards).\n(sec.11-ssec.4) In this section— deciding category , for a property, means— if 1 of the relevant categories is in a higher levy group than the other relevant categories—that category; or otherwise—the category in the highest levy group that would apply to the property if the entire property were used for each of the purposes to which the relevant categories relate. relevant category , for a property, means a category applying to the property or part of the property.\n- (a) the levy group that would apply to the property if the deciding category applied to the entire property; and\n- (b) the levy class for the property.\n- (a) if 1 of the relevant categories is in a higher levy group than the other relevant categories—that category; or\n- (b) otherwise—the category in the highest levy group that would apply to the property if the entire property were used for each of the purposes to which the relevant categories relate.","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"sec.12","sectionType":"section","heading":"References to types of industry","content":"### sec.12 References to types of industry\n\nA category in schedule 2 described as ‘industry’ followed by the word ‘light’, ‘service’, ‘offensive’ or ‘heavy’ applies to a prescribed property if the property is used for an industry of a type ordinarily described, by the local government in whose area the property is situated, by that word.\nA category in schedule 2 described as ‘industry’ followed by the word ‘extractive’ applies to a prescribed property if the property is used to mine mineral or other material.\nIn this section—\ndisposing includes the disposal of tailings and waste rock.\nextracting includes—\ncrushing, grinding, concentrating, screening, washing, jigging, tabling, electrowinning, solvent extraction electrowinning, heap leaching, flotation, fluidised bedding, carbon-in-leach, carbon-in-pulp processing; and\nthe physical, chemical, electrical, magnetic or other way of separation of a mineral or other material.\nmaterial includes clay, gravel, loam, rock, sand, soil and other substances found in the earth.\nmine means to carry on an operation with a view to, or for the purpose of—\nwinning mineral or other material from a place where it occurs; or\nextracting mineral or other material from its natural state; or\ndisposing of mineral or other material in connection with, or waste substances resulting from, the winning or extraction.\nmineral see the Mineral Resources Act 1989 , section 6 .\ns 12 amd 2015 SL No. 56 s 9\n(sec.12-ssec.1) A category in schedule 2 described as ‘industry’ followed by the word ‘light’, ‘service’, ‘offensive’ or ‘heavy’ applies to a prescribed property if the property is used for an industry of a type ordinarily described, by the local government in whose area the property is situated, by that word.\n(sec.12-ssec.2) A category in schedule 2 described as ‘industry’ followed by the word ‘extractive’ applies to a prescribed property if the property is used to mine mineral or other material.\n(sec.12-ssec.3) In this section— disposing includes the disposal of tailings and waste rock. extracting includes— crushing, grinding, concentrating, screening, washing, jigging, tabling, electrowinning, solvent extraction electrowinning, heap leaching, flotation, fluidised bedding, carbon-in-leach, carbon-in-pulp processing; and the physical, chemical, electrical, magnetic or other way of separation of a mineral or other material. material includes clay, gravel, loam, rock, sand, soil and other substances found in the earth. mine means to carry on an operation with a view to, or for the purpose of— winning mineral or other material from a place where it occurs; or extracting mineral or other material from its natural state; or disposing of mineral or other material in connection with, or waste substances resulting from, the winning or extraction. mineral see the Mineral Resources Act 1989 , section 6 .\n- (a) crushing, grinding, concentrating, screening, washing, jigging, tabling, electrowinning, solvent extraction electrowinning, heap leaching, flotation, fluidised bedding, carbon-in-leach, carbon-in-pulp processing; and\n- (b) the physical, chemical, electrical, magnetic or other way of separation of a mineral or other material.\n- (a) winning mineral or other material from a place where it occurs; or\n- (b) extracting mineral or other material from its natural state; or\n- (c) disposing of mineral or other material in connection with, or waste substances resulting from, the winning or extraction.","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"sec.13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Annual returns by local governments— Act , s 152J","content":"### sec.13 Annual returns by local governments— Act , s 152J\n\nFor section 152J (1) of the Act , the particulars prescribed for a return are the number of properties within each levy group mentioned in schedule 2 , column 1.\ns 13 amd 2013 SL No. 110 s 18 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"sec.14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Discount for pensioners— Act , s 152K","content":"### sec.14 Discount for pensioners— Act , s 152K\n\nA pension payable under a law of the Commonwealth is declared to be a pension for section 152K of the Act .\nFor section 152K (2) of the Act , it is declared that a pensioner, who is the owner of a prescribed property that is the pensioner’s principal place of residence, is granted a discount of 20% on the contributions payable under chapter 5 , part 3A of the Act , for the property.\ns 14 amd 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1\n(sec.14-ssec.1) A pension payable under a law of the Commonwealth is declared to be a pension for section 152K of the Act .\n(sec.14-ssec.2) For section 152K (2) of the Act , it is declared that a pensioner, who is the owner of a prescribed property that is the pensioner’s principal place of residence, is granted a discount of 20% on the contributions payable under chapter 5 , part 3A of the Act , for the property.","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"sec.15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed provisions for general rates applying to amount in levy notice— Act , s 152P","content":"### sec.15 Prescribed provisions for general rates applying to amount in levy notice— Act , s 152P\n\nFor section 152P (2) of the Act , definition relevant provisions , the following are prescribed provisions—\nthe Local Government Act 2009 , section 94 (1) (a) ;\nthe Local Government Regulation 2012 , chapter 4 , other than the following—\nsections 107 (1) , 109 , 110 , 111 and 114 ;\npart 10 ;\nsections 130 and 131 ;\npart 12 , division 3 , subdivision 3 ;\nthe City of Brisbane Act 2010 , section 96 (1) (a) ;\nthe City of Brisbane Regulation 2012 , chapter 4 , other than the following—\nsections 99 (1) , 101 , 102 , 103 and 106 ;\npart 10 ;\nsections 122 and 123 ;\npart 12 , division 3 , subdivision 3 .\ns 15 amd 2013 SL No. 110 s 19 ; 2014 SL No. 109 s 5 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1\n- (a) the Local Government Act 2009 , section 94 (1) (a) ;\n- (b) the Local Government Regulation 2012 , chapter 4 , other than the following— (i) sections 107 (1) , 109 , 110 , 111 and 114 ; (ii) part 10 ; (iii) sections 130 and 131 ; (iv) part 12 , division 3 , subdivision 3 ;\n- (i) sections 107 (1) , 109 , 110 , 111 and 114 ;\n- (ii) part 10 ;\n- (iii) sections 130 and 131 ;\n- (iv) part 12 , division 3 , subdivision 3 ;\n- (c) the City of Brisbane Act 2010 , section 96 (1) (a) ;\n- (d) the City of Brisbane Regulation 2012 , chapter 4 , other than the following— (i) sections 99 (1) , 101 , 102 , 103 and 106 ; (ii) part 10 ; (iii) sections 122 and 123 ; (iv) part 12 , division 3 , subdivision 3 .\n- (i) sections 99 (1) , 101 , 102 , 103 and 106 ;\n- (ii) part 10 ;\n- (iii) sections 122 and 123 ;\n- (iv) part 12 , division 3 , subdivision 3 .\n- (i) sections 107 (1) , 109 , 110 , 111 and 114 ;\n- (ii) part 10 ;\n- (iii) sections 130 and 131 ;\n- (iv) part 12 , division 3 , subdivision 3 ;\n- (i) sections 99 (1) , 101 , 102 , 103 and 106 ;\n- (ii) part 10 ;\n- (iii) sections 122 and 123 ;\n- (iv) part 12 , division 3 , subdivision 3 .","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"sec.16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Payments by local governments to department— Act , s 152S","content":"### sec.16 Payments by local governments to department— Act , s 152S\n\nFor section 152S (5) of the Act , definition declared period , the following periods are declared periods—\nfor a local government for a local government area mentioned in schedule 3 —\n1 July to 30 September\n1 October to 31 December\n1 January to 31 March\n1 April to 31 May\n1 June to 30 June;\nfor a local government for a local government area mentioned in schedule 4 —\n1 July to 30 September\n1 October to 31 March\n1 April to 30 June.\ns 16 amd 2013 SL No. 110 s 20 ; 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1\n- (a) for a local government for a local government area mentioned in schedule 3 — • 1 July to 30 September • 1 October to 31 December • 1 January to 31 March • 1 April to 31 May • 1 June to 30 June;\n- • 1 July to 30 September\n- • 1 October to 31 December\n- • 1 January to 31 March\n- • 1 April to 31 May\n- • 1 June to 30 June;\n- (b) for a local government for a local government area mentioned in schedule 4 — • 1 July to 30 September • 1 October to 31 March • 1 April to 30 June.\n- • 1 July to 30 September\n- • 1 October to 31 March\n- • 1 April to 30 June.\n- • 1 July to 30 September\n- • 1 October to 31 December\n- • 1 January to 31 March\n- • 1 April to 31 May\n- • 1 June to 30 June;\n- • 1 July to 30 September\n- • 1 October to 31 March\n- • 1 April to 30 June.","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"pt.4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Repeal","content":"# Repeal","sortOrder":26},{"sectionNumber":"sec.17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Repeal","content":"### sec.17 Repeal\n\nThe Fire and Rescue Service Regulation 2001 , SL No. 75 is repealed.","sortOrder":27},{"sectionNumber":"pt.5","sectionType":"part","heading":"Transitional and declaratory provisions","content":"# Transitional and declaratory provisions","sortOrder":28},{"sectionNumber":"pt.5-div.1","sectionType":"division","heading":"Transitional provision for Fire and Rescue Service Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2014","content":"## Transitional provision for Fire and Rescue Service Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2014","sortOrder":29},{"sectionNumber":"sec.18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application of amended s 7A from 1 January 2014","content":"### sec.18 Application of amended s 7A from 1 January 2014\n\nSection 7A, as amended by the Fire and Rescue Service Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2014 , is taken to have applied from 1 January 2014.\ns 18 ins 2013 SL No. 109 s 6","sortOrder":30},{"sectionNumber":"pt.5-div.2","sectionType":"division","heading":"Transitional provision for Public Safety Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2015","content":"## Transitional provision for Public Safety Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2015","sortOrder":31},{"sectionNumber":"sec.19","sectionType":"section","heading":"References to Fire and Rescue Service Regulation 2011","content":"### sec.19 References to Fire and Rescue Service Regulation 2011\n\nA reference in a document to the Fire and Rescue Service Regulation 2011 may be taken, if the context permits, to be a reference to the Fire and Emergency Services Regulation 2011.\ns 19 ins 2015 SL No. 56 s 12","sortOrder":32},{"sectionNumber":"pt.5-div.3","sectionType":"division","heading":"Declaratory and transitional provisions for Fire and Emergency Services (Levy Groups) Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2019","content":"## Declaratory and transitional provisions for Fire and Emergency Services (Levy Groups) Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2019","sortOrder":33},{"sectionNumber":"sec.20","sectionType":"section","heading":"Declaration about application of sch 2 for financial year ending 30 June 2020","content":"### sec.20 Declaration about application of sch 2 for financial year ending 30 June 2020\n\nIt is declared that schedule 2, as in force on the commencement, applies in relation to the determination of the annual contributions payable in respect of prescribed properties for the financial year ending 30 June 2020.\ns 20 ins 2019 SL No. 191 s 6","sortOrder":34},{"sectionNumber":"sec.21","sectionType":"section","heading":"Special provision for particular breweries and distilleries","content":"### sec.21 Special provision for particular breweries and distilleries\n\nThis section applies to a prescribed property if, before the commencement, a local government gave the owner of the property a levy notice under section 152M (2) of the Act stating an annual contribution determined by reference to a former item.\nFor determining the annual contribution payable for the financial year ending 30 June 2020 in respect of the prescribed property, the category applying to the property is the category applying to the property under schedule 2 as in force on the commencement.\nHowever, if the levy group in schedule 2 for the category is higher than the levy group applying to the former item, the levy group is taken to be levy group 7.\nIn this section—\nformer item means schedule 2, item 7.01 or 7.02 as inserted by the Fire and Emergency Services (Levy Groups) Amendment Regulation 2019 .\ns 21 ins 2019 SL No. 191 s 6\namd 2024 Act No. 22 s 92 sch 1\n(sec.21-ssec.1) This section applies to a prescribed property if, before the commencement, a local government gave the owner of the property a levy notice under section 152M (2) of the Act stating an annual contribution determined by reference to a former item.\n(sec.21-ssec.2) For determining the annual contribution payable for the financial year ending 30 June 2020 in respect of the prescribed property, the category applying to the property is the category applying to the property under schedule 2 as in force on the commencement.\n(sec.21-ssec.3) However, if the levy group in schedule 2 for the category is higher than the levy group applying to the former item, the levy group is taken to be levy group 7.\n(sec.21-ssec.4) In this section— former item means schedule 2, item 7.01 or 7.02 as inserted by the Fire and Emergency Services (Levy Groups) Amendment Regulation 2019 .","sortOrder":35}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[{"type":"other","section":"sec.4","severity":"low","reasoning":"Section 4(2) requires the person to give a copy of the request to the occupier of adjoining land, but does not specify whether this must occur before, simultaneously with, or after making the request to the commissioner. This creates a procedural ambiguity that could affect the validity of a request.","confidence":0.6,"description":"Notification to occupier before or after submission is ambiguous and potentially circular: the applicant must submit the request to the commissioner and simultaneously give a copy to the occupier of adjoining land, but there is no sequencing requirement, meaning the occupier could receive notice of a request that has not yet been lodged, or the commissioner could receive a request before the affected party is notified."},{"type":"self_contradicting","section":"sec.5B","severity":"medium","reasoning":"Section 5B(1)(a) requires compliance with AS 3786–2014, which accommodates ionization-type smoke alarms. Section 5B(1)(b) then mandates a photoelectric sensor, which would disqualify ionization-type alarms that otherwise comply with the standard. The regulation thus requires compliance with a standard that permits ionization alarms while simultaneously prohibiting them, rendering part of the standard reference meaningless.","confidence":0.82,"description":"A smoke alarm is required to 'comply with AS 3786–2014' (which covers alarms using scattered light, transmitted light OR ionization) AND separately contain a photoelectric sensor. AS 3786–2014 expressly covers ionization-type alarms, but the photoelectric sensor requirement effectively mandates a specific technology subset, making the broader standard reference partially redundant or contradictory in scope."},{"type":"other","section":"sec.8, sec.8-ssec.5","severity":"low","reasoning":"Section 8(1AA) limits the section's application to the financial year starting 1 July 2025 onwards, but sections 8(1)-(5) are written in present-tense general terms. The interaction with section 8A, which retrospectively applies 2024 classifications to 2025, creates a temporal loop where the 2025 classifications depend on 2024 classifications determined under a section that only nominally applies from 2025.","confidence":0.55,"description":"The definition of class E is residual ('if the district is not part of a levy class under subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4)'), but subsection (1AA) states the entire section only applies from the financial year starting 1 July 2025. This means the classification framework, including the class E fallback, technically has no temporal scope prior to 1 July 2025, leaving prior years ungoverned by this section alone."},{"type":"circular_definition","section":"sec.8A","severity":"medium","reasoning":"Section 8A(2) references levy classes that 'applied in relation to the levy district under section 8(1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) for the financial year starting on 1 July 2024', but section 8(1AA) states section 8 applies only for the financial year starting 1 July 2025. If section 8 did not apply to the 2024-25 year (or applied under a prior version), the cross-reference in 8A may point to a legally uncertain basis.","confidence":0.65,"description":"Section 8A applies to levy districts 'other than Yelarbon' for the financial year starting 1 July 2025, fixing their levy class at whatever applied under section 8 for the 2024-25 year. However, section 8(1AA) states section 8 itself only applies from 1 July 2025. This creates a bootstrapping problem: 8A derives its 2025 classifications from section 8's 2024 classifications, but section 8 as currently drafted is not expressed to have governed 2024."},{"type":"other","section":"sec.12","severity":"low","reasoning":"The levy classification for most industry types is delegated to whatever term the local government 'ordinarily' uses, making it variable across Queensland. This means the same physical activity could attract different levy groups depending on which local government area the property is in, creating inequality in levy obligations for identical operations.","confidence":0.72,"description":"The definition of 'extractive industry' for levy purposes depends on the local government's ordinary descriptive usage for industry types (sec.12(1)), but 'extractive' is separately defined in sec.12(2) by reference to mining operations. This creates an inconsistency: light, service, offensive and heavy industries are defined by local government characterisation (subjective, variable), while extractive industry is defined objectively by the regulation itself."},{"type":"retroactive_impossibility","section":"sec.18","severity":"medium","reasoning":"Retroactive application of a provision that alters which properties are 'prescribed property' (and therefore subject to fire levies) raises issues of retrospective financial liability or relief. Persons who had already paid levies or been exempt may have their position retrospectively altered, potentially without any practical remedy.","confidence":0.68,"description":"Section 18 declares that section 7A 'is taken to have applied from 1 January 2014', but section 7A was inserted by the Fire and Rescue Service Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2014. If the amendment regulation itself commenced after 1 January 2014, this constitutes retrospective application of a levy exemption (or inclusion) which could affect past levy liabilities already assessed."},{"type":"other","section":"sec.21, sec.21-ssec.3","severity":"low","reasoning":"The asymmetric cap in section 21(3) is not obviously absurd but creates a logical oddity: the transitional relief only operates upward, meaning some properties receive a windfall reduction while others are capped. The intent appears to be protection from large increases, but the drafting leaves the downward scenario unaddressed and potentially inconsistent with the policy rationale.","confidence":0.5,"description":"Section 21(3) provides that if the new levy group is higher than the former item's levy group, it is 'taken to be levy group 7'. This cap applies only when the new group is higher, creating a one-way ratchet: properties can only be protected from increases (capped at group 7) but not from decreases. However, the provision does not address what happens if the new levy group is lower — the cap does not apply and the lower group applies, meaning the transitional provision only provides partial protection."}],"contradictions":[{"severity":"medium","section_a":"sec.8, sec.8-ssec.7","section_b":"sec.8, sec.8-ssec.6","confidence":0.78,"description":"Section 8(6) states that schedule 1 is provided 'to help users' and lists levy classes for districts, while section 8(7) states that if there is an inconsistency between subsections (1)-(4) and schedule 1, the subsection prevails. This means schedule 1 is simultaneously presented as a reference tool reflecting the operative provisions AND acknowledged to potentially contradict them, undermining its reliability as a user aid."},{"severity":"high","section_a":"sec.8A, sec.8A-ssec.1","section_b":"sec.8, sec.8-ssec.1AA","confidence":0.8,"description":"Section 8(1AA) states section 8 applies for the financial year starting 1 July 2025 'subject to section 8A'. Section 8A(1) states it applies to levy districts 'other than Yelarbon'. This means Yelarbon is governed by section 8's general criteria for 2025, but section 8A's exclusion of Yelarbon implies Yelarbon should be classified differently — yet no alternative provision for Yelarbon's 2025 classification is stated in section 8A or section 8. Yelarbon's classification is left in a legislative gap."},{"severity":"medium","section_a":"sec.5B, sec.5B-ssec.1(a)","section_b":"sec.5B, sec.5B-ssec.1(b)","confidence":0.85,"description":"AS 3786–2014 covers smoke alarms 'using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization'. The requirement to comply with this standard (which permits ionization alarms) directly contradicts the separate requirement that the alarm 'contain a photoelectric sensor', which excludes ionization-type alarms from compliance. A fully ionization-based alarm complying with AS 3786–2014 would satisfy (a) but fail (b); no ionization alarm can comply with both simultaneously."},{"severity":"low","section_a":"sec.7A, sec.7A-ssec.1(a)","section_b":"sec.7A, sec.7A-ssec.1(b)","confidence":0.4,"description":"Section 7A(1)(a) exempts 'indigenous land' from being prescribed property unconditionally (regardless of levy class). Section 7A(1)(b) exempts certain category-E properties. If indigenous land happened to fall within a category-E property type (e.g., a church on indigenous land), both exemptions would apply simultaneously, which is harmless but indicates the drafting did not consider whether indigenous land could ever also be class-E property, potentially creating double-counting in administrative records."},{"severity":"low","section_a":"sec.16","section_b":"sec.16","confidence":0.55,"description":"The declared periods for schedule 3 local governments include separate periods of '1 April to 31 May' and '1 June to 30 June', splitting April–June into two periods. Schedule 4 local governments have a single '1 April to 30 June' period covering the same calendar span. There is no stated rationale for why schedule 3 governments face more frequent reporting obligations in the final quarter, creating an apparent inequity in administrative burden that may not reflect any substantive policy difference."}]},"summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The regulation has expanded meaningfully beyond its original 2011 scope. It was originally focused on fire control (burn permits, prohibition notices) and the fire services levy framework. Over time it has been amended to add: smoke alarm requirements for caravans and motorised caravans (Part 2A, added 2024), rules for unregistered vehicles on roads (Part 2C, added 2025), new levy exemption categories including Indigenous land and specific Class E properties, special transitional provisions for breweries and distilleries, and specific one-year levy class freezes for particular districts. The regulation now covers a broader range of fire safety compliance obligations beyond its original administrative/funding focus."},"complexity_factors":["Multi-tiered levy classification system (Classes A–E based on fire station staffing levels) requiring cross-referencing with schedules","Complex contribution calculation rules for properties with multiple use categories, requiring identification of a 'deciding category' and 'highest levy group'","Extensive cross-referencing to the parent Act and multiple other Acts (Local Government Act, City of Brisbane Act, Mineral Resources Act, multiple Indigenous land Acts)","Transitional provisions creating retrospective application of certain sections (e.g. s7A applied from 1 January 2014) adding historical complexity","Special transitional rules for specific financial years (2019-2020, 2024-2025) and specific localities (Yelarbon) requiring careful date-based reading","Administration fee formula based on variable N (number of prescribed properties) with two different calculation methods depending on scale","Exclusion categories for the levy that combine property type AND levy class conditions simultaneously","Multiple payment schedules for local governments with different instalment periods depending on which schedule lists their area","Technical Australian Standards reference (AS 3786-2014) incorporated by reference for smoke alarm compliance","Industrial category definitions (light, service, offensive, heavy, extractive industry) that depend on local government classifications, adding external variability"],"plain_english_summary":"This regulation details how Queensland’s fire services are funded, controlled and administered—setting practical rules for the state fire levy collected via councils, who pays or is exempt/discounted, and how funds are remitted. It also prescribes operational rules affecting controlled burns and prohibition requests, smoke-alarm requirements for caravans, and limited use of unregistered vehicles by emergency workers and mechanics. It matters because it funds firefighting and creates obligations for property owners, councils and responders."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The regulation retains its core purpose — prescribing procedural, technical and funding details to implement the Fire and Emergency Services Act. Recent inserts adjust technical requirements (caravan smoke alarms), add limited exemptions or prescribed persons/purposes (unregistered vehicle use, property classes excluded from levies), and update levy‑classification mechanics for particular financial years. Those are modifications and refinements within the regulation’s original scope (administration of fire safety processes and levy arrangements) rather than a substantive expansion of the regulatory field."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross-references to the primary Act (Fire and Emergency Services Act) across many sections","Dependence on several separate schedules (schedules 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) not fully reproduced in the text — key rate and map data live in schedules","Technical standard reference (AS 3786–2014) requiring external expertise to interpret and verify","Conditional levy‑class logic with multiple thresholds (full‑time vs part‑time officers; different numeric cut‑offs)","Complex rules for properties with multiple categories (deciding category, highest levy group logic)","Rounding rules for area and capacity thresholds creating edge cases","Several carved‑out exceptions (indigenous land, specific class‑E property types) and transitional provisions tied to prior regulations","Administrative formulas referenced but not printed (administration fee calculation in s 6), increasing opacity for lay readers","Numerous amendments and temporal conditions (sections that apply for particular financial years, maps held before specific dates), producing time‑dependent application"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this regulation does (mechanics and immediate effects)**\n\n- Sets procedural requirements for certain fire-safety requests and permit applications under the Fire and Emergency Services Act (for example, requests for prohibition notices and permits to light fires). Those requests and applications must be written, include contact details and maps, and be copied or notified to occupiers of adjoining land (see ss 4–5).\n\n- Prescribes technical and placement requirements for smoke alarms in caravans and motorised caravans: alarms must be ceiling‑mounted, meet Australian Standard AS 3786–2014, use a photoelectric sensor, have a silencing mechanism, and be powered by a built‑in, non‑removable battery designed to last at least 10 years (s 5A–5B).\n\n- Allows certain uses of unregistered vehicles on roads for specified people and purposes (for example, members of fire brigades or similar emergency services from outside Queensland when acting for emergency purposes; and mechanics moving a vehicle for maintenance or repair) (s 5C).\n\n- Provides the detailed framework for fire‑levy funding: how levy districts are constituted (maps), the system of levy classes A–E (based on the number/type of fire officers at stations), assignment of property categories to levy groups (schedule 2), the calculation of annual contributions for single‑category and multi‑category properties, rounding rules for area or capacity thresholds, and the computing of local government administration fees (ss 6–12, schedules referred). It also prescribes which properties are not “prescribed property” for levy purposes (notably indigenous land and listed class‑E property types) (s 7A, 8–11).\n\n- Prescribes reporting and payment processes between local governments and the department, including the particulars local governments must include in annual returns and the declared reporting/payment periods (ss 13, 16).\n\n- Declares that Commonwealth pensions count for the pensioner discount and sets a 20% discount on fire‑levy contributions for pensioners who own and live in their principal place of residence (s 14).\n\n- Repeals the earlier Fire and Rescue Service Regulation 2001 and contains transitional provisions linking prior versions, maps and levy group adjustments to specific financial years (ss 17–21 and transitional divisions).\n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- Owners of prescribed properties (owners pay the annual fire‑levy contribution; classification rules determine the amount) — commercial operators, residential owners, industrial sites and special‑use properties are affected by category and levy‑class rules.\n- Local governments (required to give levy notices, to make periodic payments to the department, entitled to administration fees, to provide annual returns) (ss 6, 13, 16).\n- Caravan and motorised‑caravan owners and manufacturers (must install the prescribed type of smoke alarm) (ss 5A–5B).\n- Members of fire brigades and other emergency services from outside Queensland (allowed limited use of unregistered vehicles in emergency contexts) and mechanics moving unregistered vehicles for repair (s 5C).\n- Pensioners on a Commonwealth pension who live in their own home (receive a 20% discount on levy contributions) (s 14).\n- The commissioner (administrative role: receives written requests and permit applications, holds levy district maps, applies discretion under the Act as informed by the regulation) (multiple sections).\n\n**Why it matters (official purpose, then practical consequences and trade‑offs)**\n\n- Official purpose: the regulation implements the Fire and Emergency Services Act by prescribing how certain administrative processes, safety standards and funding arrangements must operate. It aims to standardise permit/request forms and ensure levies are allocated and calculated consistently.\n\n- Practical consequences and trade‑offs:\n  - Smoke‑alarm rules (ss 5A–5B) impose a one‑off or replacement equipment cost on caravan owners and manufacturers because alarms must meet a specific standard, include a non‑removable 10‑year battery, a photoelectric sensor and a hush function. The non‑removable 10‑year battery reduces the need for frequent battery changes (lower ongoing maintenance) but raises the cost and replacement/disposal considerations when the unit reaches end of life.\n  - Levy rules (ss 7A, 8–12 and schedule 2): property owners bear the direct cost of annual contributions. The levy class is tied to fire station staffing levels in each levy district (who decides staffing and where stations sit will therefore affect which properties face higher or lower levy classes). Local governments collect levies and pay parts to the department; they receive administration fees that are formulaic (s 6). This creates concentrated payments (owners of certain property types pay more) and diffuse collection responsibilities (local government administration and record‑keeping). The regulation also excludes particular property classes (including indigenous land and listed class‑E properties) from levy liability, which shifts the levy burden onto other property owners.\n  - Allowing out‑of‑state emergency responders to use unregistered vehicles (s 5C) reduces regulatory friction during mutual‑aid responses; allowing mechanics to move unregistered vehicles for repair reduces practical obstacles to getting vehicles roadworthy but creates a limited carve‑out to usual vehicle registration rules.\n  - Procedural requirements for permit requests and prohibition notices (ss 4–5) impose notice and documentation costs on applicants (preparing maps, contacting neighbours, documenting objections) but increase transparency to adjoining occupiers.\n\n**Compliance and administrative risks**\n\n- Verification and enforcement: technical compliance (e.g., confirming smoke alarms meet AS 3786–2014 and contain a built‑in non‑removable 10‑year battery) can be administratively burdensome for regulators and may require product testing/certification processes.\n- Classification disputes: property owners may contest levy group/category or levy class assignments (complex rules for multiple categories and the deciding category are potential sources of disagreement). Maps and schedule references create potential boundary/status disputes.\n- Implementation costs: local governments must collect levies, keep returns and make periodic payments; the regulation prescribes reporting periods and content but delegates operational work to councils (ss 13, 16).\n\n**Who pays and who decides (simple allocation of authority and cost)**\n\n- Pays: owners of prescribed properties (annual levy contributions); caravan owners/manufacturers (costs to comply with alarm specs); applicants for permits (time and documentation costs).\n- Decides: the commissioner holds maps and receives permit/notice requests; local governments determine property categories locally (where regulated by local descriptors such as ‘light’ or ‘heavy’ industry) and administer levy notices and remittances; product standards and technical compliance ultimately rely on certification to the referenced Australian Standard.\n\n**Concentrated benefits and diffuse costs**\n\n- Concentrated benefits: local governments receive administration fees (s 6) and certain property owners benefit from exemptions or discounts (indigenous land exemption, pensioner 20% discount). Fire districts with higher staffing implicitly confer competitive advantages in emergency response capacity for properties in those districts, but also trigger higher levy classes for those districts.\n- Diffuse costs: the levy system spreads funding requirements across many property owners; the smoke‑alarm standard spreads product costs across caravan purchasers/owners and suppliers.\n\n(References: the numbered section citations in this summary refer to sections of the Fire Services Regulation 2011 provided.)"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The regulation has grown significantly beyond its original 2011 scope. Originally focused on fire prevention controls and funding levies, it has expanded to include: smoke alarm requirements for caravans (Part 2A, added 2024), use of unregistered emergency vehicles (Part 2B, added 2025), and numerous transitional provisions handling retrospective applications and special cases for breweries/distilleries. The funding mechanism has also become increasingly complex with the addition of special rules for specific financial years (Section 8A for 2025) and detailed exemption categories."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing to the Fire and Emergency Services Act (constant references to 'the Act' sections like 145B, 152I, etc.)","Complex levy calculation system with multiple variables: levy districts, levy classes (A-E), levy groups, and property categories","Nested conditional logic for determining levy classes based on fire station staffing numbers (full-time vs part-time officer thresholds)","Multiple schedules referenced but not included in the extract (Schedules 1-5 contain critical operational details like maps, rates, and definitions)","Transitional provisions with retrospective application dates and special cases for specific financial years","Technical definitions incorporating external standards (AS 3786-2014) and references to other Acts (Mineral Resources Act, Local Government Act, etc.)","Exception-heavy structure for exempt properties (Section 7A lists multiple categories of exemptions with conditions)"],"plain_english_summary":"This regulation sets out the practical rules for how Queensland's fire services are funded and operated. It covers four main areas:\n\n**1. Fire Prevention and Control**\n- Sets out the paperwork needed to request a 'prohibition notice' (an official order stopping someone from doing something risky on their land) or to apply for a permit to light a fire\n- Requires fire permit applicants to notify neighbours and report any objections\n\n**2. Safety Equipment**\n- Mandates that caravans and motorised caravans must have smoke alarms installed on the ceiling\n- Specifies the alarms must meet Australian Standard AS 3786-2014, use photoelectric sensors, have a silence button, and contain a 10-year sealed battery\n\n**3. Emergency Vehicle Use**\n- Allows unregistered vehicles to be driven on roads by out-of-state emergency services members when responding to emergencies, and by mechanics doing repairs\n\n**4. Funding the Fire Service (The Levy System)**\n- Divides Queensland into 'levy districts' based on fire station staffing levels (Classes A through E)\n- Sets out which properties must pay the annual fire service levy and which are exempt (including Indigenous land, churches, cemeteries, and small tourist attractions)\n- Establishes a complex categorisation system (levy groups) based on property use and size, with different rates for different categories\n- Provides a 20% discount for pensioners on their principal residence\n- Sets administration fees for local governments that collect the levy\n- Specifies when local governments must forward collected funds to the state\n\n**Who it affects:** Property owners (who pay the levy), local governments (who collect it), fire service personnel, caravan owners, and anyone seeking fire permits or prohibition notices.\n\n**Why it matters:** This regulation puts meat on the bones of the Fire and Emergency Services Act—it translates broad legal powers into specific technical requirements, dollar amounts, and administrative procedures that make the fire service actually function day-to-day."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/fire-services-regulation-2011","history":"/api/acts/fire-services-regulation-2011/history","analysis":"/api/acts/fire-services-regulation-2011/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/fire-services-regulation-2011/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/fire-services-regulation-2011/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/fire-services-regulation-2011/documents"}}