The deadline for homeowners to ensure their backyard pool and spa safety barriers meet standards has been extended.
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The state government pushed the first certificate lodgement deadline from November 1, 2021, to June 1, 2022 after COVID-19 lockdowns made it difficult for families to engage inspectors to inspect and fix safety barriers.
Subsequent lodgement deadlines have been moved to June, 2023, and June, 2024, respectively.
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City of Greater Bendigo Safe and Healthy Environments Manager Caroline Grylls said the extension acknowledges the extra pressure coronavirus had on families trying to ensure their pools or spas were compliant.
"The extended deadlines will help homeowners with pools and spas to lodge certificates of compliance with the City," Ms Grylls said.
"It also recognises the limited opportunity people have had to organise building inspectors to visit their homes during the pandemic."
Building regulations were amended in December, 2019, to bring in improved safety requirements for private swimming pools and spas.
"Under the new mandatory requirements all residential swimming pools and spas that fall within the requirements of the Act must have a compliant barrier in place and must be registered with their local council," Ms Grylls said.
"Broadly, these include all permanent pools and spas and most relocatable pools and relocatable spas capable of holding a depth of water greater than 300mm.
"Owners must also have a registered building surveyor or inspector certify the continuing compliance of their safety barrier every four years."
Home owners who have not yet registered their pool or spa should contact councils.
For more information visit the Victorian Building Authority website at www.vba.vic.gov.au
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