New State Government legislation introduced on 1 December 2019 to help reduce the incidence of drownings of young children will require Greater Shepparton residents to adhere to new mandatory safety regulations for private pools and spas.
It is now mandatory for property owners in Greater Shepparton where a swimming pool or spa is located to register their pool or spa with Greater Shepparton City Council before 1 June 2020. The changes will bring Victoria in line with similar pool and spa fencing requirements in other states.
Following registration, owners are also now required to obtain and lodge a compliance certificate for the safety of their pool or spa barrier every four years. Owners will need to engage a registered building surveyor or building inspector to carry out an inspection and issue the compliance certificate. The inspection fee will be a ‘fee for service’ arrangement provided by the Building Surveyor or Building Inspector being engaged to provide this service. It is recommended to confirm the cost of the inspection before engaging the appropriate person.
Once a pool or spa is registered, Council will notify owners of the due date for the first certificate of pool barrier compliance. Owners are required to arrange an inspection and lodge the certificate with their local Council by the due date.
Council’s Manager Building and Planning, Colin Kalms, said the new State Government legislation will help ensure the safety of Greater Shepparton residents.
“The new regulations will improve water safety throughout our region as we enter the summer,” he said.
“Council will be available to assist members of our community through the process. We look forward to working with the community in improving water safety for people of all ages, but in particular children.”
Pool and spa owners in Greater Shepparton have until 1 June 2020 to register their pool or spa with Council. The initial cost to register a pool or spa in Greater Shepparton is $79.20 and is payable at registration.
A further fee of $20.44 will need to be paid to lodge a Certificate of Barrier Compliance. This is payable at the time of lodgement of the Certificate. The due date to lodge a Certificate of Barrier Compliance is dependent on the date of pool construction and is determined as part of the registration process. Lodgement and registration fees are set by the State Government.
Pools and spas constructed in Greater Shepparton after 1 June 2020 must be registered within 30 days after issue of occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection. The Relevant Building Surveyor following a mandatory inspection upon completion of the barrier construction can issue a Certificate of Barrier Compliance at the time of issuing a Certificate of Final inspection.
