2015-04-28 Planning and Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                 28 APRIL 2015


2    NEW SWIMMING POOL LEGISLATION
Author            Building and Plumbing Services Manager, Allan Hazell
                  Planning and Infrastructure Department

Index             ECM / Subject / Plumbing Management/Legislation / New Swimming
                  Pool Legislation

Attachments       Nil


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not Applicable.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Building and Plumbing Services Manager to the Planning
& Organisation Committee Meeting dated 28 April 2015 advising of new legislation from 30
November 2015 regarding swimming pools.


REPORT
The purpose of this report is to advise Council of new legislation coming into effect at 30
November 2015 in regard to swimming pools and the new obligations that affect Local
Governments and owners of existing and newly constructed swimming pools.

Background

In December 2009, new pool safety laws were introduced within Queensland, requiring new
pool owners to undertake safety checks of their pools and to obtain a pool safety certificate
(Form 23). In 2010 new laws were introduced for existing pool owners, requiring all pool
owners in Queensland to register their pool on a State wide register held by the State
Government.

New Legislation as of 30 November 2015

The Queensland Development Code (QDC) part 3.4 has been developed to replace 11
existing pool safety standards. QDC part 3.4 is mandatory and designed to cover areas not
covered within existing pool safety standards, with its introduction on the 30 November 2015.

Key Changes:
   Set time frames for owners of non-shared swimming pools to have a pool safety
     certificate (domestic pools).
   Set time frames for owners/body corporates of shared swimming pools to have a pool
     safety certificate (commercial/ public).
   Safety fencing of all portable pools/spas that are capable of being filled with 300mm or
     more of water.
   Mandatory inspections by Local Government following immersion incidents.
   Requirements for pool safety certificates by persons/real estate’s selling or leasing
     properties with pools.
   Introduction of a new State Government Notice (Notice of No Pool Safety Certificate -
     form 36) for persons selling a property without a pool safety certificate.
   Local Government may charge a fee for service for requested pool inspections.


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