Clubhouse Fire Safety Important Information for All Residents

pimpamahomeownersgroup
5 days ago
3 min read

Date: 24 January 2026

Dear Residents,

This morning, the clubhouse fire alarm system was triggered. This incident is a sobering wake up call ! While no fire was detected, the incident highlighted several critical safety concerns that require immediate attention and cooperation from GemLife and residents.

Clubhouse fire safety is now a HOC focus.

Summary of Events

The fire alarm system activated but did not automatically notify the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFS).
A resident attempted to contact the Pimpama fire station directly without success and subsequently dialed 000, prompting QFS to attend.
Upon arrival, QFS staff were unable to access the clubhouse because the pedestrian entry gate from the Sales carpark was chained and locked. Residents assisted in opening the vehicle gate to allow entry.
QFS investigated and confirmed no fire was present. The alarm was attributed to a sensor near the sauna door.
At least one resident did not evacuate during the alarm activation.

Key Safety Points

Automatic Notification Failure: The fire alarm system did not alert QFS. GemLife management has been notified & is investigating the alarm system. We were advised that it is unlikely to be resolved during the long weekend.
Access for Emergency Services: Gates must remain accessible at all times. Locked or chained gates delay emergency response and put lives at risk. GemLife management has been notified.
Evacuation Compliance: All residents must evacuate immediately when an alarm sounds, regardless of perceived risk. Failure to comply endangers everyone and violates QLD Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.
Resident Action: If an alarm occurs, dial 000 immediately.
Sensor Sensitivity: The sauna area may trigger alarms. Please exercise caution when using this facility. It is believed that the sauna door was open for some time resulting in triggering the alarm. Please open & close this door promptly & minimum duration.
Additional Safety Concerns: A subsequent clubhouse walkthrough today revealed:
- No fire safety placards displayed.
- No designated egress escape pathways are illustrated.
- No advertised external safe assembly points.
- At least one fire door (10 pin bowling entry) is permanently propped open with a sign instructing not to close the door.
- There is no system / procedures for fire wardens (or equivalent) to assist in evacuations.
Resident Familiarisation, Training & Instructions: These matters are generally inadequate. The HOC will ask GemLife to urgently provide:
- General evacuation instructions for all occupants.
- First response training for selected community leaders / others (wardens) (Qld regulations require this within one month commencement and every two years.)
- Subsequent evacuation coordination training for wardens annually.

What happens next?

• GemLife management has been advised & is investigating the alarm system operation.

• Procedures for emergency access have been raised with GemLife management to ensure QFS can enter without delay.

• Residents are reminded that evacuation during alarms is mandatory.

• GemLife will be requested for fire safety placards to be posted throughout the clubhouse, clearly showing colour graphics eg - ‘you are here’, exit points, routes to exit points in accordance with Fire Safety Standards.

• GemLife will be requested to provide resident clubhouse safety familiarisation training as soon as possible.

• GemLife will be requested to resolve the 10 Pin Bowling entry fire door safety issue.

Your cooperation is essential to maintain safety for all. Please direct any questions or concerns to the Resort Manager.