News Article: A multi-storey apartment block is heading to a suburb near you.

This is an article in the Sunday Mail today (23rd May 2010):

QUIET, leafy corners of Brisbane and other parts of southeast Queensland could soon be overshadowed by high- rise apartment towers under a controversial planning strategy to build up instead of out.

A snapshot of the planning strategy for Brisbane to deal with massive population growth expected over the next 20 years shows high-rise development spreading to the outer suburbs, with concentrations of towers around transport nodes.

But resident groups - fearful Brisbane will be turned into Sardine City - are vowing to fight the high-rise invasion.

There have been a string of protests by residential groups lobbying against the changes in older suburbs such as Corinda through to the inner-city bohemian hub of West End, where 30-storey towers are on the drawing board.

The backlash has forced Brisbane City Council to relax some of its plans for higher density development.

But the fight is guaranteed to intensify as the rollout of high-rises intensifies.

Council figures show town planning officials have paved the way for an estimated 64,700 new residents in suburbs from Bracken Ridge on the northside to Corinda on the southside.

South Brisbane residents should prepare for a projected 25,500 extra residents by 2031.

The estimates have been devised by the council from some of the most advanced neighbourhood planning documents, with several other plans yet to be finalised.

Neighbourhood planning was introduced by Lord Mayor Campbell Newman in 2004 to give residents more say but has failed to avoid bitter disputes with residents.

One group of residents at Bridgeman Downs has labelled their growth plan a farce after development proposals were ticked off by the council, undermining the new blueprint before it could even be adopted.

"To get it all done and (for) them to just completely ignore it is a joke," Bridgeman Downs resident Earl Baskerville said.

A spokesman for the Lord Mayor said even if the plan had been adopted, property owners retained their development rights under the former town plan for up to two years.

The Bridgeman Downs group is just one of a growing number battling growth plans in their back yards.

The West End Community Association is involved in a no-holds-barred fight against high-density plans in its suburb. And in Sherwood and Corinda, the Walter Taylor South Action Group is pushing to topple plans for five-storey buildings.

Action group secretary Leigh Park said the council had done well in listening to their concerns and boosting protection to character housing in the area - a far cry from the strategy before Cr Newman.

It had also reduced the footprint of an area of Corinda planned for five-storey buildings after public opposition.

But she said in return it had increased the size of a precinct at Sherwood, proposing five-storey buildings.

Ms Park said the result would be added pressure on congested roads and public transport, while destroying the visual impact of old suburbs.

"The argument is it is only confined to a small percentage of the area, but the visual impact is quite significant," she said.

Council Neighbourhood Planning chairwoman Amanda Cooper said the fact there were protest groups objecting to the plans showed the strategy was working.

Opposition planning spokesman Milton Dick said the plans had not lived up to their expectation of listening to residents' concerns.

We all know Brisbane is expanding due to population growth. How do you feel about these changes? Should we be developing Up (high-rises) or Out (more land released)? What's your preference?

Leave a comment. We'd love to hear your opinion.

More Efficiency Disclosures - This time for Commercial Office Buildings

The following message is from Quinn & Scattini Lawyers:

Commercial real estate agents in particular should be aware that the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Bill 2010 (“the Bill”) has been introduced to the Commonwealth Parliament.

The Bill is intended to promote the disclosure of information about the energy efficiency of buildings. It introduces a mandatory disclosure scheme for corporate owners and head tenants of certain commercial office buildings with a net lettable area of more than 2000 square metres.

The owner or tenant must register a Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (“BEEC”) before it offers to sell or lease the building. The Building Energy Efficiency Register will be established as a central registry to register and hold records of all BEECs.

Any advertisements for the sale or lease of a building must contain the energy efficiency rating for that building.

The BEEC must disclose the following:-
1. The energy efficiency rating;
2. An assessment of energy efficiency of any lighting;
3. Guidance as to how the energy efficiency of the building may be improved.

The owner or tenant of certain buildings may apply for an exemption. Exemptions may be available where the building is used for police/ security operations or the characteristics of the building prevent an appropriate assessment or if the building falls into a class to be prescribed by the regulations as being exempt (likely to include new buildings and buildings that have had recent major refurbishments).

Penalties for non-compliance may be up to $110,000 for each breach.

It is likely that the legislation will commence on 1 July 2010 however the obligations imposed by the legislation will only commence on the implementation day (within 6 months of commencement).

There is also to be a transition period of 12 months from the implementation day which means that an owner or tenant can use an existing energy efficiency rating issued by a recognized issuing authority (such as NABERS) during this time in place of a BEEC.

If you would like to ask any question about this or any other similar issue, Richie Muir may be contacted on 3821 2766 between 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday or email rmuir@quinnscattini.com.au

Prepare for house prices to increase!

Extract from Courier Mail article today:

TONY Abbott has accused the Rudd government of pushing up the cost of housing for young people through the proposed resource super-profits tax on quarry industries producing sand, gravel and cement.

At a quarry in Queensland yesterday, the Opposition Leader said "as things stand Labor's great big new tax is not just a tax on BHP and Rio and the other big companies, it's a tax on dozens, if not hundreds, of small family-run businesses, like this one, which are vital, absolutely vital, for Australians' everyday life".

"This is not just a tax on energy. It's a tax on building and it's a tax on food because this tax hits quarries, it hits phosphate. So, it really is a tax that will have ramifications for every Australian, ramifications for their jobs, ramifications for their retirement savings, ramifications for their daily cost of living," Mr Abbott said.

Mr Abbott said the proposed tax on quarrying meant the cost would "get passed on to Australian home builders, which is the last thing that anyone should want, but what we're seeing increasingly is that every day there is more evidence that this great big new tax is a disaster"..... (more)

In short, housing prices are either about to increase a little or a lot. For people planning to build their own home, now is the time.

Morpheus Property is helping home buyers to carefully select the right builder and help them navigate the maze of options, including where to build.

However, home buyers should heed the warning and lock in today's prices before they increase. To get help, buyers should call 1300 911 576.

Tug of war between koalas and development

Council warns of crowding

MORETON Bay residents will pay more for houses and live in more crowded suburbs under the State Government’s proposed koala protection plan, Moreton Bay Regional Council has warned.

Regional planning manager Peter Rawlinson told this week’s MBRC co-ordination committee meeting it could mean a shortfall of about 20,000 dwellings.

Mr Rawlinson said the urban footprint might not be big enough to accommodate growth and could force the State Government to look beyond it.

The draft South-East Queensland Koala Conservation State Planning Policy requires at least 30 per cent of land in the top five of 10 koala habitat categories to be preserved.

A council report said analysis of five of the most significant growth areas in the region Morayfield, Narangba east, Dakabin, Mango Hill and Griffin found that 80 per cent of those areas could not be developed under the protection plan. Cr Chris Whiting said he did not expect Deception Bay to be affected.

The report said to offset this loss more intense development in areas not covered by the plan might be needed.

Mayor Allan Sutherland questioned if the consequences would be accepted.

Source: Redcliffe Herald (4 March 2010)

If you're interested in learning more about the Koala protection zones, visit the Department of Environment and Resource Management's website for more details. http://tinyurl.com/ykn8dk8

To talk more about the potential implications this may have for your property investment or development project, call Morpheus Property on 1300 911 576.

Interest rates rise to 4%

The following interest rate announcement from the RBA, resulted in three of the major banks lifting interest rates in step with the rate rise (including ANZ, CBA and St George). Two thirds of economists predicted the rate rise and there are more to come through 2010.

Australia raises interest rates to 4%

Australia's central bank has raised interest rates, for the fourth time since October, as it seeks to cool its growing economy.

The increase, to 4% from 3.75%, was widely expected by economists.

Australia was the only major economy to avoid recession, and the first to raise rates from 50-year lows as the economic crisis eased. It avoided the worst of the slump due to government spending and massive Chinese demand for its commodities.

The government had introduced a number of multi-billion dollar stimulus packages, including increased infrastructure spending and cash handouts to most Australians since the end of 2008 to lift consumer spending.

Following the latest rate rise, the Reserve Bank of Australia said: "With growth likely to be close to trend and inflation close to target over the coming year, it is appropriate for interest rates to be closer to average."

Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan said further rate increases must be expected.

"Rates can't stay at emergency levels forever," Mr Swan said. "Rate rises are an inevitable consequence of a recovering economy that is outperforming the rest of the world."

Australia's economy only contracted in the final three months of 2008.

It therefore avoided recession, which is generally defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth.

Source: BBC News 02/03/2010

BIS Shrapnel says, "Get ready for the next investment boom: Property"

Article from The Australian today:

I KNOW we're barely out of the office market downturn, but I can't help thinking that the preconditions are being set for an investment boom this decade.

The current setback, plus risk-averse debt and equity markets, will continue to impede office development, setting up stock shortages and strong rises in rents and property values. It won't take long to forget the global crisis and the recent disaster in the property markets.

Meanwhile, the feeling of relief that the worst is over is giving way to cautious optimism. The yield correction that hit property prices is largely over. Attention is turning to leasing markets and tenant demand.

In Australia, the economic downturn was mainly financially driven rather than a real side investment-driven downturn.

Unlike other developed economies, we had a credit and equity squeeze rather than a financial crisis. Banks and investors ran from risk after the excesses of the financial engineering boom. Equity prices corrected. The downturn in the economy hit operating profits. But the financial system remained sound.

Property investment markets were hit hard, with the GFC triggering an unwinding of the preceding financial engineering-driven phase of gearing up and yield compression. And leasing markets faced reduced demand just as new supply was coming on. The extreme pressure we all felt early last year has now passed, with the damage not nearly as bad as most feared.

The economy is now clearly emerging from the recession that never was and the recovery has already begun. Confidence has picked up with a run of good news. Retail sales are still patchy since the household handouts, but consumption expenditure has passed its trough.

Strong infrastructure spending is cushioning weak business investment. Businesses have raised equity to reduce gearing, positioning them to start investing again.

Residential property has already rebounded and that will flow on to construction.

But it's not all sweetness and light. The high Australian dollar is damaging the competitiveness and viability of domestically produced tradeables industries, particularly manufacturing, tourism and other tradeable services. But mining, health, wholesale and retail trade, and professional and financial services are already picking up.

GDP growth is recovering from last calendar year's 0.8 per cent to an expected 2.6 per cent this year on the way to growth averaging between 3 and 4 per cent over the subsequent three years. Fortuitously, with pressure to reduce government budget deficits, private investment will take over from public investment as the engine of growth.

The Australian economy is on the threshold of a major cyclical upswing and the next five years will be strong. Underlying inflation remains stubbornly high, but is coming down slowly.

Our forecast is that cash rates will reach 6.5 per cent by the time the cycle matures.

Getting back to office markets, tenant demand is not an issue in a strong economy. Having stalled last year, employment has rebounded over the past five months, with growth of about 1.7 per cent through the year to January. Last year the impact of the downturn on unemployment was softened by companies reducing working hours rather than jobs. We expect employment to recover slowly as employers increase working hours before taking on new staff.

Improved confidence among tenants has led to some withdrawal of sub-lease space. Office leasing demand will improve from here. In some cities, there is still residual pre-GFC supply coming on. But new development has stopped.

The real point is that rents are too low to underwrite new development. While there is a logic for owner-occupiers to build while costs are low, irrespective of current financials, developers need a pretty good reason to build now even if they can get the finance. Some can build, but most won't.

Given lead times, supply will remain constrained for another three to four years at least. That means that improving demand will quickly absorb excess stock, leading to tightening vacancy rates and a shortage of stock.

Will we forget the lessons of the GFC? It won't take long. I can't help a comparison with the sharemarket collapse of 1987. The subsequent inflow of funds into property drove the 1989 boom. Low vacancy, tightening leasing markets, strongly rising rents, firming yields and strong property returns through the middle of this decade will attract investment capital. At BIS Shrapnel, we're looking at internal rates of return of about 20 per cent for Sydney and Melbourne commercial property over the next five years. That's extraordinary.

Frank Gelber is chief economist for BIS Shrapnel

To get a great investment property, contact Morpheus Property on 1300 911 576 to get your Buyer's Agent working on your behalf.

Alternative ways into the property market - #2

You don’t have to go it alone to get into the property market, says the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.The REIQ says there are a number of options available for those who may not have the wherewithal to purchase a first or new home buy themselves.

We'll examine one option today - "Mum and dad finance"

Baby boomer parents are increasingly helping their children into the property market. Creative ways they are giving their children a "leg up" include co-buying where the parent(s) provide the equity and the children take responsibility for paying the debt.

The other arrangement is by way of a guarantee. The traditional bank guarantee has been replaced by a product that allows a parent to guarantee an amount to supplement the borrower's deposit.

The size of the guarantee can be limited to a specific amount which protects the parent from losing their home should the child default on the loan.

"While declining housing affordability is making it increasingly difficult for first home buyers, as the Queensland property market is taking a breather from its strong results of last year, opportunities currently exist for buyers who can afford to enter the market," Mr Molloy said.

If you are considering this path, please talk to us about getting reputable legal advice. We deal with exceptional property lawyers and can help ensure you get the best advice. Contact us on 1300 911 576 or send us an email at enquiries@morpheusproperty.com.au.

Get More Info >>

Alternative ways into the property market - #1

You don’t have to go it alone to get into the property market, says the Real Estate Institute of Queensland. The REIQ says there are a number of options available for those who may not have the wherewithal to purchase a first or new home buy themselves.

We'll examine one option today - "Co-buying"

One option is Co-buying - also known as shared ownership, joint ownership or co-ownership.

This is when two or more people decide to spread the financial burden and buy a property together. Parents are buying with their children; siblings are buying together, as are friends, extended family members, even colleagues.

By joining forces, you can afford somewhere bigger, better and sooner than you could alone.

For investors, the obvious advantages include the reduction in capital required, the reduction in other associated costs involved in buying a property - and as a result - the reduced risk, especially when better locations can be made more accessible.

"It is important to remember that a mortgage mate, a co-buyer or a co-investor is in essence a partner. There are significant legal and financial obligations to consider and plenty of due diligence is called for," REIQ managing director Dan Molloy said.

"It is vital that all parties have the same intentions and goals and a legally prepared document - such as a Deed of Trust - is advisable for anyone entering into a co-buying arrangement."

If you are considering this path, please talk to us about getting reputable legal advice. We deal with exceptional property lawyers and can help ensure you get the best advice. Contact us on 1300 911 576 or send us an email at enquiries@morpheusproperty.com.au.

Get More Info >>

Buying a property with a pool - New legislation

If you're buying a property with a pool, there a few things to check. There are the core elements of structural integrity, fencing, water efficiency, surrounding trees, condition of the pump and filter. But new state legislation should draw your attention to a few additional issues.

As of 1 December, changes to Queensland regulations will mean builders will need to have new pools inspected when they are constructed. Next year, pool owners will need an inspection whenever a property is sold or leased.

While new home owners will also be required to ensure there is a strict non-climbable zone (NCZ) next to or above the family pool, existing pools will have until 2011 to ensure they are compliant with the new laws. At that point, pool owners will be required to order an inspection when selling their property. If the fence doesn't comply, the owners will be required to make it comply within 20 days.

Of course, this may not be an issue, but check with your building and pest inspector to see if there will be any work needed to comply with the legislation.

As you can see, there's a period where the introduction of this legislation can provide a trap for buyers. When buying a property, if the property wasn't constructed to comply with the current legislation, check to ensure there isn't any work required to comply with the NCZ. Some obstacles or fencing issues could be costly to remove or rectify.

If in Queensland, check your pool against this Pool safety checklist to see how yours compares.

Get More Info >>

Electricity sub-metering due 1 Jan 2010

As of 1 Jan 2010, it will be mandatory for all new multi-unit residential (class 2) and office (class 5) buildings to install an electricity sub-meter for each individual unit in a multi-residential building or each storey in an office building (where individual net lettable areas have not been identified at the time of the building development approval). Previously, costs may have been shared based on floor area or another mechanism.

The concept is designed to create greater awareness of energy consumption, which may lead to more people having greater incentive for reducing their energy use and costs.

Get More Info >>

$3,000 to relocate to regional centres. Would this entice you to move?

Premier Anna Bligh has proposed a $3,000 boost to the first home owner's grant to encourage people to settle in areas outside south-east Queensland. She wants more people to live in places like Rockhampton, Townsville and Mackay to ease the pressure on Brisbane where most people come to settle.

Steve Greenwood (Property Council of Australia) is of the belief that the $3,000 isn't like to go very far when an average relocation from Brisbane to Cairns would cost approx $5,000. The proposal also suffered criticism from Greg Hallam (Local Govt Assn) and Brian Stewart (Urban Development Institute of Aust), who believe it doesn't stike to the core of the issue of housing undersupply.

While the proposal is yet to be confirmed, I'm curious about your thoughts.

- Is this likely to encourage anyone to move?
- Do you think it's likely to achieve the objectives Anna Bligh is hoping to achieve?

Feel free to leave your comments.

Get More Info >>

13th Sept is "Sustainable House Day"

This is a good chance to get some ideas for your own project!!

Sunday, 13th September

10:00am -4:00pm
Locations (become available 1 Sept, 2009)

Pop in and see good examples of energy efficient homes. Visit the http://www.sustainablehouseday.com website and stay tuned for address details, which will be available 1 September.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett today launched two new initiatives designed to boost householder efforts to save energy, water and reduce waste — the Government's new web portal LivingGreener.gov.au and Sustainable House Day 2009.

LivingGreener.gov.au includes practical information and tools on how householders can live more sustainably, save money and help the environment.

“Almost 10 per cent of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions come from households. But every Australian can make a big difference to the environment and their wallets through simple, cost-effective, everyday actions.

“Australians want to know what they can do to reduce their impact on the environment, and as the massive uptake of the new solar hot water and insulation rebates shows, households are keener than ever before to make their homes more energy and water efficient.

“LivingGreener.gov.au is an innovative and informative webpage that contains practical tips as well as information about Government programs and financial assistance to support households to improve their energy efficiency,” Minister Garrett said.

Minister Garrett said Sustainable House Day on Sunday September 13 was another great way for households to see first-hand the practical and often easy steps people can take to reduce their energy and water bills.

“Around 170 homes around the country will open their front door to the public. It's an opportunity to get first-hand advice and information from ordinary homeowners about the benefits of sustainable living.

“Architects, builders and home sustainability assessors will also be on hand at many of the homes to provide expert advice. Admission to each home is free, thanks to the Rudd Government's $100,000 sponsorship of this great event,” said Minister Garrett.

The Sustainable House Day website www.sustainablehouseday.com has a list of all open houses and the energy and water saving improvements each house has made.

Information on how you can make your own home more energy efficient is available at www.LivingGreener.gov.au

Yours in property!!

Green Design - How Eco-Efficient Are You?

Date:	31 March 2009
Time:	17:00 - 19:00
Location:	Paradise Homes Group - East Brisbane
Street:	884 Stanley Street East
Town/City:	East Brisbane, Australia

Phone:	07 3391 0766
Email:	building@paradisehomes.com.au

Description

Paradise Homes is having an open day with guest speakers on a variety of subjects, such as:
* Solar Power
* Energy Efficiency Power
* Passive Solar Power
* Efficient Water Use

Join us for an informative evening of eco-friendly tips and products that could save you dollars while protecting the environment.

Please contact Penne or Katherine for further information on 3391 0766 or send an email to building@paradisehomes.com.au

Home Show 2009 (Brisbane)

Grab your free Home Show liftout in The Courier-Mail on Wednesday February 25 with everything you need to know about this year's Show.

Time and Place

Start Time:	28 February 2009 at 10:00
End Time:	08 March 2009 at 18:00
Location:	RNA Exhibition Grounds
Street:	Gregory Terrace
Town/City:	Brisbane, Australia

Contact Info

Phone:

07 3852 2600

Description

Should you have any further questions about the show, please call (07) 3852 2600.

Tickets
Adults $14
Seniors $9
Students $9
Children under 14 free

http://www.organisersinternational.com.au/HomeShow2009/VisitorInfo.asp

Yours in property!

Trade Shortage = Improved Affordability

Today's media release from HIA -

"The latest HIA-Austral Bricks Trades Report recorded a marginal improvement in the availability of skilled tradespeople for the December quarter 2008. For the first time in the report’s history trade contractor prices declined over the quarter.

HIA’s Chief Executive – Association Chris Lamont, said the modest improvement in trade shortages was due almost exclusively and unsurprisingly to a fall in residential building activity, and did not represent a longer term improvement in the availability of skilled tradespeople."

With interest rates low, first home owner grants (FHOG) increased, building costs stabalising or reducing, now is a great time to buy. Get in before the inevitable price rises.

To get the ball rolling, call 1300 727 586.

A Structured Approach

At Morpheus Property, we follow a proven and structured approach to buying property.  Our processes and business model are well defined to meet our client's needs and get results. 

As you can imagine, these processes need to adapt to our client's needs.

For example, an owner-owner (including first home owners), investor and developer need us to analyse property in a completely different way.

The residential owner-occupier needs to live in the house. The commute to work and school are relevant, as well as the condition and number of rooms, size of backyard, etc.   The commercial owner-occupier will use the building to assist the business in some way - retail shopfront, office space, show room, workshop, storage space, etc. Morpheus Property searches for property meeting these needs (whatever they are), as well as ensuring it's in a good location for future capital growth.

The investor has a different set of needs.  Investors are usually chasing four things: a good return on investment (in terms of occupancy and yield), good capital growth, low maintenance and the potential for healthy depreciation claims.

The developer is generally after a short-term profit, which involves some effort or input on their behalf. This could include a complete building design and construct (or "D&C") project, or any amount of work in between.  This might include getting council approval for sub-division, renovations, etc. Ultimately, the end result should achieve a profit figure.

There are also buyers involved in a hybrid of the above categories, such as a home owner, who also wishes to subdivide the block of land. Another example is where someone buys six commercial units and only occupies one, acting as landlord for the remaining 5.  This has been particularly popular with self managed super funds (SMSF).

No matter which type of buyer you are, Morpheus Property can help you.

Talk to your Buyer's Agent today on 1300 727 586.

Yours in property!

Housing starts fell for the third consecutive quarter in September 2008

Numbers of New-starts for housing builds was down again in the September Quarter of 2008. Alot of people may say, so what! its a buyers market we don't need any additional new stock on the market as it will just sit there unsold. Unfortunatley the large reduction in new housing starts in september and in fact for the third quarter in a row will have a signifacantly impact on the housing market in Brisbane.

Demand for housing is high and rising in Queensland in line with the continued population growth in the great South East. Decreased new housing is not good for those looking to find a home whether they be renting or buying.

HIA’s Chief Economist, Harley Dale said that housing starts fell by nearly 11 per cent in the September 2008 quarter. At a level of 35,425 for the quarter, starts hit their lowest level since the GST-induced weakness seen in 2001. (Source: HIA)

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released today, detached house starts fell by 11 per cent to 24,130. Multi-unit starts dropped by 8.8 per cent to 11,070. "The annual level of housing starts is running at 141,700 and will drop well below the 140,000 mark in the December quarter," Harley Dale said. (Source: HIA)

According to the HIA ... The weakness in seasonally adjusted housing starts in the September 2008 quarter was concentrated in New South Wales (down 25.1 per cent), Queensland (down 22.7 per cent), and Western Australia (down 20.5 per cent).

With occupancy rates already hitting extraordinary lows in Brisbane, this will result in just more pressure on the rental market, resulting in more pain for renters and price pressure on existing housing stock in 2008-09.

Now is the time to buy!

Yours in property

If it's made out of stone, it's here to stay!!

At Morpheus Property, we're often asked which professionals and tradefolk we recommend. After visiting MWS masonry and witnessing their penchant for perfection first hand, we can quite confidently vouch for their work.

MWS Masonry is lead by Matthew Stratton, a qualified stonemason and perfectionist!!

Their range of services include:

• Project Design and Concept Advice
• Project Process
• Kitchen Tips
• Bathroom Vanities
• Fireplaces
• Stone Furniture & Custom Stone Pieces

Using engineered stone, granite, marble and sandstone, MWS Masonry will create a unique look in your new home, renovation or next development project.

Here are a few sample images of their work:


Don't take our word for it, visit the crew out at Belmont and take a look for yourself!!

Call Matthew on 07 3890 2091 OR 0422 444 973 to arrange an appointment.

Yours in Property!

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