What are the responsibilities of Council under the new legislation?

Councils are required to:

1. develop and implement a swimming pool barrier inspection program in consultation with their communities
2. report annually on the number of pool inspections undertaken and the level of compliance with the requirements
3. inspect pools associated with tourist and visitor accommodation and multi-occupancy developments at three year intervals
4. at the request of a pool owner, inspect pools prior to sale or lease
5. issue compliance certificates after an inspection which finds a pool barrier compliant with the requirements of the legislation. Compliance certificates are valid for three years.

• A swimming pool subject to an occupation certificate is exempt from an inspection program for three years from the date of issue of the occupation certificate.
• Councils may inspect any swimming pool that is the subject of a complaint to the council.
• Council powers of entry will be consistent with the Local Government Act 1993.
• Councils may charge a fee for each inspection undertaken (up to a maximum of $150 for the first inspection and $100 for one re-inspection resulting from the first inspection).