A popular Townsville entertainment venue has been hit with a substantial penalty after admitting to serious safety failures that left a teenage girl with significant injuries.
Pitstop Karting, operating at the Townsville Showgrounds, faced the Townsville Magistrates Court this week where the company was fined $3000 for breaching Queensland's Work Health and Safety Act. The court heard the business had failed to implement crucial safety updates to its operational procedures.
The Incident That Sparked Investigation
The safety shortcomings came to light following a disturbing incident in August 2022, when two go-karts collided at high speed on the track. A 16-year-old girl involved in the crash suffered serious injuries that required immediate medical attention.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland launched an investigation into the incident, uncovering that Pitstop Karting had not updated its safety management system to reflect current industry standards and regulations.
Long-Standing Safety Failures Exposed
Evidence presented in court revealed the company's safety procedures hadn't been properly reviewed or updated since 2018 - a full four years before the accident occurred. This neglect meant critical safety protocols were outdated and inadequate for protecting both customers and staff.
Magistrate Steven Mosch emphasised the seriousness of the breach, noting that businesses operating high-speed recreational activities have a fundamental responsibility to maintain up-to-date safety systems.
Broader Implications for Adventure Tourism
The case serves as a stark warning to adventure tourism operators across North Queensland. With the region's economy heavily reliant on recreational and tourism businesses, proper safety compliance isn't just a legal requirement - it's essential for community trust and industry reputation.
Pitstop Karting's conviction highlights the very real consequences that can occur when safety protocols become an afterthought rather than a priority.
The company was ordered to pay court costs of $96.60 in addition to the $3000 fine, bringing the total penalty to $3096.60.
