Residents reminded to register their pools and spas by 1 November

Published on 25 September 2020

As of the date of signing, the Chief Executive Officer has certified that this material is not considered to be electoral material in accordance with Council’s Governance Rules made under the Local Government Act 2020, Civic Place, Warragul. 

Baw Baw Shire residents are reminded to get their swimming pool and spa registrations in before 1 November 2020.

Council has already received more than 500 applications from property owners to register their swimming pools and spas, following the introduction of State Government regulations in December 2019.

The new regulations have been introduced to keep young children safe from drowning. Since 2000, 27 young children have drowned in private swimming pools and spas. In at least 20 of those cases, the coroner found that non-compliance of the safety barrier was a contributing factor.

The regulations require property owners to register private pools and spas that are capable of holding water to a depth greater than 30cm with Council by 1 November 2020.

Owners are also required to have a registered building surveyor or inspector certify that their pool or spa safety barrier is compliant every four years.

Pool and spa owners in Baw Baw Shire are encouraged to visit the Council website for more information, including the safety barrier inspection process, certificate requirements, guidelines and the registration form.

The one-off registration fee for pools or spas constructed before 1 November 2020 is $79, which is payable at the time of registration.

New pools and spas constructed after 1 November 2020 also need to be registered at time of completion, further details can be found on the Council website.

The Victorian Government extended the deadline for the mandatory registration of private pools and spas due to the impacts of coronavirus. Private pool and spa owners now have until 1 November 2020 to register their pools and spas with council – an extension of five months from the original 1 June deadline. 

The infringement amount for non-registration is $330.44.

For more information visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/poolsandspas

Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer Mark Dupe

“I’d like to encourage all swimming pool and spa owners in Baw Baw Shire who haven’t had a chance to put their registration applications in yet to visit our website and make a start. Especially as we head into the warmer months, it’s important to ensure that your swimming pool and spa barriers are compliant and most importantly, safe.”