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In December 2019, the State Government introduced new regulations that all owners of a pool or spa that is capable of holding more than 300 mm (30 cm) of water must register it with their local Council by 1 June 2020.

The new regulations were a concerted effort from the State Government to make swimming pools and spas safer and prevent young children from drowning.

The registration process has not changed.

Owners are still required to register their pools and spas with their local Council with a one-off fee of up to $79.20.

Once registration is complete, Council will inform the pool owner of the date by which they must organise their first inspection and certification of their barrier – the deadline for owners to lodge their first barrier certification will also be extended.

In addition, owners must have a registered building surveyor or inspector certify the continuing compliance of their safety barrier every four years.

Owners who fail to register their pool or spa with their council by 1 November 2020 may face an on-the-spot fine of $330.

Greater Shepparton City Council Director Sustainable Development, Geraldine Christou, thanked the Greater Shepparton community for their assistance to date with pool and spa registrations.

“Council welcomes this extension of five months to 1 November 2020 from the original 1 June 2020 deadline,” Ms Christou said.

“The new deadline is an acknowledgement of the extra pressure on Greater Shepparton families during what are uncertain times. We know many of our local families may be doing it tough, and we hope this change from the State Government will ease some of the pressures.

“The number of registrations to date has been fantastic, and we thank the Greater Shepparton community for their assistance with this.”