Pool fence inspections begin
Non-compliant pool and spa owners will be notified in coming weeks of changes necessary to their fences.
Following a shire-wide audit in line with state legislation, all backyard pools and spas built without appropriate permits will be asked to comply and get the appropriate permits.
Campaspe Spokesperson for Statutory Services, Cr Neil Pankhurst, said that pool safety is an important issue and one that Council and state Government are taking seriously.
“Statistics show that 47 people drown in swimming pools and spas each year, most of which are children. This is a tragedy that can be prevented by having the correct fencing installed and being vigilant around water,” he said.
“I’d encourage property owners who receive a letter from us to contact Council’s building department straight away to arrange an inspection. The inspector will assess the fence and advise what needs to be done.”
Depending on the level of work required, the property owner will receive either a Minor Building Order under Section 113 of the Building Act 1993 and be given 30 or 60 days to complete the works or an Emergency Building Order under Section 103 of the same act with a temporary fence to be built within two to three days of the order.
“Backyard pools and spas can provide hours of entertainment, so it important to make sure they’re safe,” said Cr Pankhurst.
“Our officers will be following up on these letters and requests to make sure all are kept as safe as possible. If the building orders are not acted upon within the stated time frames then Council may take further legal action to get the works done.”
The audit and inspections come after an amnesty that ran from 30 September to 30 November 2015.