Have you registered your pool or spa

11 March 2020 - Media release

Campaspe Shire Council is calling on all pool and spa owners to not leave registration of their swimming pool or spa to the last minute!

Regulatory & Community Services General Manager, Mr Paul McKenzie said new Victorian Government legislation requires all swimming pools and spas to be registered with their local council before 1 June 2020. The new legislation focuses on children’s safety and reducing the incidents of young children drowning. To date, only 322 landowners have completed the registration process.

“With more than 2,000 swimming pools and spas across our shire, only 16 per cent have registered to date,” Mr McKenzie said.

“Registration is quick and can be done online via Council’s website. Once registered, we will respond confirming the construction date, provide the relevant safety barrier standard for the fence, and will advise when the compliance certificate is required,” Mr McKenzie said.

Landowners then have between one to three years to complete certification, a date dependent on the age of the pool or spa.

“This certificate is issued by a building surveyor or building inspector, following an inspection,” he said.

“The certificate, a Certificate of Barrier Compliance, is lodged with Council and a similar inspection process is required every four years.”

Some landowners may have constructed a swimming pool or spa without a Building Permit.

“In this instance, owners are encouraged to make contact with our Building Unit to discuss how the pool or spa and fence can be made compliant,” Mr McKenzie said.

Further information about the registration process is available on Council’s website.