A crackdown on pool fencing has led to a Keilor property owner being fined more than $10,000 for failing to install an adequate pool barrier.
The landowner has been convicted in the Sunshine Magistrates Court, fined about $10,000 and ordered to fix sections of missing pool fencing.
Brimbank council’s city development director Stuart Menzies said the council issued four building orders for the pool fence to be fixed before the matter was escalated last month.
“The owner repeatedly let it fall into disrepair,” Mr Menzies said.
Brimbank mayor John Hedditch said the court’s decision, handed down on April 27, sent a clear message that flouting pool safety regulations was a serious offence that would not be tolerated.
“Meeting one’s legal obligations to have working safety barriers around pools and spas is especially important because a failure could literally be a matter of life or death,” Mr Hedditch said. “Pools can be lots of fun, however having a pool also comes with responsibilities and legal requirements. Poorly fenced pools are a big risk, especially to children.”
Safety barriers are legally required for all pools and spas capable of holding water 300 millilitres deep.
The Keilor property was inspected as part of Brimbank council’s ongoing pool compliance program.
In the past 12 months, 150 pools have been inspected, or about 10 each month. Mr Menzies said 30 defect notices have been issued.
“Most of these pools have been made compliant, with eight still working towards compliance,” he said.
Related:
December 12, 2016: More than 70 pool fences found that don’t comply with safety regulations
