Council is reminding owners of swimming pools and spas of their obligations under Victoria's pool and spa safety laws and advising that a compliance program will commence across the municipality in the coming months.
Since the introduction of mandatory swimming pool and spa registration requirements in 2019, Council has worked with property owners to assist them in meeting their obligations through registration reminders, information campaigns and ongoing support.
As part of the next stage of the program, Council will be following up properties where swimming pools and spas remain unregistered, as well as properties where the required Certificate of Barrier Compliance has not been lodged by the due date.
Development Manager Alexandra Jefferies said the requirements are an important safety measure designed to reduce the risk of drowning and serious injury, particularly for young children.
"Swimming pool and spa barrier safety is a critical community safety issue. The registration and inspection requirements help ensure barriers are maintained and continue to perform as intended," Ms Jefferies said.
"Most owners have complied with their obligations, however, there remains a number of properties where pools and spas have not been registered or where the required barrier compliance certificate has not been provided."
Acting Director Development and Planning Dennis Hovenden said Council is encouraging owners to act now rather than wait until they receive correspondence from Council.
"Council recognises that some property owners may be unaware of their obligations, no longer have a pool or spa on their property, or may have recently purchased a property containing a registered pool or spa," Mr Hovenden said.
"Owners who believe the information held by Council is incorrect are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible so we can update our records and discuss their circumstances."
Owners of registered swimming pools and spas are required to have their safety barriers inspected by a registered pool and spa inspector and lodge a Certificate of Barrier Compliance with Council at least once every four years.
Property owners who have not yet registered a swimming pool or spa, or who have not lodged a required Certificate of Barrier Compliance, may receive compliance correspondence from Council requiring action within a specified timeframe.
While Council's preference is to work with owners to achieve compliance, continued failure to meet the requirements may result in enforcement action. This may include infringement notices, statutory enforcement processes and referral for legal proceedings where appropriate.
