Queensland Government explosives reserves and security

We have put aside large areas of land known as 'explosives reserves' for the safe storage, distribution and disposal of explosives.

Individuals and companies can use the government explosives reserves if they hold the appropriate licences issued by the Chief Inspector of Explosives. Other government entities with vested interests in the safety and security of explosives, and protecting the community, also use the reserves.

To arrange to use a government explosives reserve, contact the manager of the reserve.

Anyone intending to store explosives at a government magazine is required to lodge a request using the Request to store explosives at a government magazine form.

Note: A full range of services may not be available at all government reserves. Check with the manager of the reserve first.

About the reserves

There are 4 explosives reserves (or 'magazines'), each located near a port:

  • Bajool (near Port Alma)
  • Brookhill (near Townsville)
  • Helidon (near Brisbane)
  • Queerah (near Cairns).

The services provided by explosives reserves include:

  • secure explosives storehouses
  • incinerators for disposing of explosives
  • testing and demolition ranges
  • explosives workshops
  • a weighbridge (at Bajool only)
  • transit storage areas
  • container stuffing/de-stuffing areas
  • ammonium nitrate storage pads
  • transit explosives vehicle areas
  • storage of explosives as evidence for Queensland Police or the inspectorate
  • storing seized explosives
  • collection and pickup service for unwanted explosives
  • demonstration of the power of explosives
  • law enforcement agency training.

Benefits of using a government reserve

The benefits of using government reserves include having:

  • centralised, secure storage depots for the large quantities of explosives that mining and construction industries use
  • inspection and testing facilities to control the safety of products
  • the ability to monitor all aspects of distribution and handling (ensuring only those operations of acceptable standards are permitted)
  • facilities that enable effective responses to critical situations, such as impounded explosives, deteriorated explosives and court exhibits
  • competitive supplies of explosives available (an independent service to all explosives manufacturers, suppliers and users)
  • explosives facilities situated next to the government reserves, minimising the risk to the community.

Government magazine access cards for reserves

You must have a government magazine access card to enter secure areas of government explosives reserves unsupervised on authorised business.

If you have a government magazine access card, you must comply with all reserve site rules. You cannot disclose confidential information about reserve operations to anyone outside the reserve, including unauthorised members of your company.

Each reserve manages the issue of government magazine access cards, site inductions for the reserve and ongoing access. You may use your government magazine access card only at the reserve that issued it to you.

Information about the use of the government magazine access card can be provided to the licence holder (if applicable). The access card remains the property of the reserve and can be revoked at any time.

Security clearance requirements

Government magazine access cards can only be issued to individuals (including employees of authority holders).

Each individual who needs access to the facility will need to obtain a security clearance before they can be issued a government magazine access card.

How to apply

To apply, provide the relevant reserve administration office with:

Read about payment options and make sure you include an acceptable methods of payment form (PDF, 305KB) with your application.

Note: If your card isn't issued within 6 weeks, contact the Explosives Inspectorate.

Replacing a lost or stolen card

If you card is lost or stolen, provide the relevant reserve administration office with a completed E116 – Government magazine access card application form (PDF, 764KB).

The cost of a replacement card is $46.58 (inc. GST).

Fees for using a government reserve

For the 2024–25 financial year, there has been no increase to the fees. Fee amounts remain at the same rate as the previous financial year (2023–24). No additional fees or increases have been made.

Acceptable methods of payment are cheque, money order, credit card or electronic funds transfer (EFT). You'll need to arrange with staff at the government reserve before making payment via EFT.

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  • Last reviewed: 1 Jul 2024
  • Last updated: 1 Jul 2024