Circulars

What’s new or changing

• The NSW Government has released the Final Report of Mr Michael Lambert’s Independent Review of Swimming Pool Regulation, along with its response.

What this will mean for your council

• An amendment to the Swimming Pools Regulation 2008 will be made, which will maintain the fee cap of $150 for an initial swimming pool inspection but allow councils to charge pool owners up to $100 for each subsequent inspection, if and as required, until a certificate of compliance is issued.
• New guidance material will be developed to assist council certifiers with their legislative and regulatory responsibilities.
• An increased public education campaign will be delivered in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society, focussing on active adult supervision and promoting the concept of a ‘designated supervisor’.

Key points

• Councils will be able to charge pool owners up to $100 for the third and any subsequent inspections required until a certificate of compliance is issued.
• Councils are encouraged to actively promote swimming pool safety awareness within their local government areas.
• The response reinforces the Government’s long-held position that responsible adult supervision of young children in and around backyard pools at all times is the first line of defence against drownings and near drownings.

Where to go for further information

• The Final Report, the Government response and supporting documentation is available from the Office of Local Government’s website at www.olg.nsw.gov.au.

Tim Hurst

Acting Chief Executive