The WA Government has implemented the recommendations from a review of private pool safety barrier requirements.
The review was commissioned following an Ombudsman Western Australia report on reducing deaths of children by drowning.
The WA Government has implemented the recommendations from a review of private pool safety barrier requirements. The review was commissioned following an Ombudsman Western Australia report on reducing deaths of children by drowning.
Amendments to the Building Regulations 2012 will remove the need for a building permit for the installation of most fences used as safety barriers.
The new laws, which take effect on June 21, will instead require the local government to inspect swimming pools within 30 days of installation to ensure the fences are compliant.
This is a more effective means of ensuring compliance with the building standards from the outset. Local governments will still be required to conduct a four yearly physical inspection and compliance check.
Under the new laws, local governments will need to re-inspect properties within 60 days if safety barriers are found to be non-compliant. Local governments must also provide Building and Energy with information about overdue pool barrier inspections.
The changes were made following a public consultation which took place in 2022 following the commencement of drafting changes in 2021.
The reforms complement the work the Cook Government has accomplished in response to the Ombudsman report including professional development for pool inspectors and monitoring of local governments.
More information on pool safety barriers is available at demirs.wa.gov.au/rules-for-pools.
