Published on Tuesday, 1 April 2025 at 11…

Published on Tuesday, 1 April 2025 at 11:14:00 AM

Community input is invited on the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation, and Safety – Building and Energy division's proposal to extend private swimming pool safety barrier requirements to areas currently excluded in local districts. This initiative follows recommendations from the Ombudsman’s 2017 report, which highlighted that excluded areas have a higher risk of drowning incidents, particularly among young children.

Safety barriers are required for private swimming and spa pools in most areas of WA under the Building Regulations 2012, however, some areas are exempt from these requirements, which include parts of the Shire of Boddington. Areas located outside of the town site and zoned other than residential, rural residential or special use are currently excluded.

Recommendations from the Ombudsman are to remove these exemptions to ensure safety barriers and inspections apply state-wide in an effort to reduce child drowning incidents. This is supported by Building and Energy, however, the final decision to extend safety requirements to all private pools will be made by local governments.

Have your say by completing the survey online here. Alternatively, hard copies are available from the Shire Administration or Library. All community members are encouraged to make a submission by Friday, 4 April 2025.

For more information visit the Shire website here.

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