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Latrobe City Council to fine residents that do not register their pools or spa

Property owners are required to have their pools and spas registered, including barrier safety compliance.

By news@gippsland - 8th June 2021 - Back to News

Property owners who failed to register their swimming pools and spas are at risk of being fined for not complying with legislation of the State Government. In December 2019, the State Government introduced new laws in Victoria to improve swimming pool and spa safety.

Well-maintained safety barriers are required around all permanent or relocatable swimming pools and spas in Victoria, the new regulations aim to reduce incidences of young children drowning in private swimming pools and spas by improving safety barrier requirement compliance

Requiring owners to register

These laws legally required owners of land where a swimming pool or spa is located to register their pool or spa with the relevant local council. Registration of pools or spas was due by 1 November 2020.

Ensuring registration requirements are followed

Latrobe City Council has audited each property, as the government requires, using aerial photography, infrared imaging, building permit registers and information provided by the Victorian Building Authority, to ensure registration requirements have been adhered to.

Failure to register will be fined

Council has sent two letters to property owners with pools and spas, advising them of their responsibilities to adhere to state regulations and register these. People who have failed to respond may be fined $330 (two penalty units). More than 1400 property owners have registered their swimming pools and spas with Latrobe City Council as required by the new State legislation.

Government’s legal requirement

Those that have failed to do so are about to be issued with an infringement on top of the requirement to complete the registration process. Mayor Cr Sharon Gibson said the State Government’s legal requirement to register privately-owned pools and spas was designed to save lives.

Complying with safety requirements

Mayor Cr Sharon Gibson said , "Registration ensures that the pool and spa safety barriers comply with safety requirements, imagine if your child or a friend’s child drowned in your backyard pool or spa simply because the pool was not adequately protected by a safety barrier?"

Pools and spas capability

Well maintained safety barriers are required around permanent or relocatable swimming pools and spas capable of holding more then 300mm of water. "These include in-ground and above-ground pools, spas, hot tubs and jacuzzis, indoor swimming pools, and inflatable and relocatable pools," Cr Gibson said.

Letter to confirm registration will be sent

Registration costs $79. Once the registration form is received and the fee paid, a letter will be sent to confirm your registration. This letter will state the due date for your compliance certificate to be lodged with Council and the required barrier standard.

To register your swimming pool or spa, or for further information go to pools and spas.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com