3/3/03
The State Government has welcomed the multi-party support for barrier fencing around pre-1992 pools and confirmed it will maintain new laws requiring isolation fencing for new swimming pools.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens today announced the retention of the new law applying to all new pools, after Cabinet gave consideration to the report of the Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs, which recommended it be repealed.
"The Government has taken this action to ensure the safety of children in and around swimming pools and we will continue to support measures to reduce the incidence of child drownings," Mr Stephens said.
"I am particularly pleased that the Standing Committee has been able to secure multi-party support for the new minimum requirement for barrier fencing for pools built prior to 1992.
"This legislation is widely described as the most progressive in the nation and the support of all the parties, as evidenced in the report of the Standing Committee, brings certainty to pre-1992 pool owners."
Barrier fencing is defined as the pool being fenced off from outside the property. It does allow for direct access to the pool area from the house but only where all doors are self closing and self latching and all windows prevent access to the pool area.
"The Government's decision to retain the isolation fencing requirements for new pools has not been taken lightly," Mr Stephens said.
"We have spent considerable time considering the Standing Committee's report. The Government has decided to retain its election commitment in the belief that the extra barrier an isolation fence provides may help lower the risk of children drowning in home pools.
"Children are naturally attracted to water from a very young age and while swimming should continue to be a healthy and pleasurable activity, it is important that parents do not overlook the associated dangers.
"Child supervision, regulation fencing and working gates are all important safeguards for any unexpected events."
Mr Stephens also reminded owners of the estimated 72,000 pre-1992 pools that they had until 2006 to ensure their pool areas had self-closing, self-latching doors and barriers on windows in the adjoining building.
"I commend local governments for their efforts to have systems in place to enforce these laws. I also commend the many owners of pre-1992 pools who have already upgraded their fencing so far in advance of the 2006 date when it becomes mandatory."
For more information about the swimming pool safety requirements go to the Department of Local Government and Regional Development's website at http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au
Minister's office 9213 6500
