Proposed changes to Queensland pool fencing laws:

Pool fencing laws
Under the current Queensland pool fencing laws:
1. owners must ensure that a compliant fence is in place and maintained
2. owners must display a warning sign advising that a new pool is under construction
3. owners must ensure pools with building approval applications lodged on or after 1 October 2003 display a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sign

Councils can only grant exemptions in circumstances where an occupant of the building has a disability that will not enable them to gain access to the pool area if a complying pool fence was constructed new pools that are constructed on a building, such as on a deck or roof, need to be fenced.

Penalties of up to $12,375 and on-the-spot fines of up to $525 can be imposed on pool owners if their pool fence does not comply with the law.

Responsibilities

Owners of in-ground pools
1. The pool owner is generally the owner of the land. The owner of the property is responsible for ensuring their pool fence is compliant.
2. Tenant renting property with a swimming pool
3. Tenants are responsible for ensuring that the gate is not kept open and that there are no objects that would allow children access to the pool.
4. If a person renting a property buys a portable pool that requires pool fencing around it, the owner of the portable pool must ensure the pool has a fence around it.

Interesting links:
1. http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/resources/temp/22205_PoolSafetyGuidesVF_lo.pdf
2. New regulations aren't costly? - http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=697149
3. The State Opposition says it supports an overhaul of Queensland's pool safety laws, but believes it is long overdue. - http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/local/5213799/qld-oppn-supports-tardy-pool-safety-overhaul/

If you would like expert advice on your personal situation contact us and we will refer you to a suitably qualified Pool Inspector.

Yours in property
1300 727 586
enquiries@morpheusproperty.com.au