State Member for Pine Rivers, Carolyn Male MP, invites Queensland pool owners to have their say on a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for the second stage of the State Government’s tough new pool safety standards.

Carolyn Male MP said the statement listed the benefits and costs of the draft pool safety standards ahead of their expected introduction on December 1.

Carolyn Male MP said the Bligh Government was not prepared to take risks with the safety of young children around pools.

“Eight children drowned in backyard pools in Queensland last year alone and 35 children have drowned in the state’s residential swimming pools in the last six years,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“The State Government is determined to help stop these drownings and near drownings in backyard pools.”

“The draft second stage of the State Government’s tough pool safety regulations could see pool safety inspections included at the point of sale or lease, greater powers of entry for council pool inspectors, fences for all portable pools deeper than 300mm and the broadening of laws to include indoor, hotel/motel, caretaker residence and caravan park pools.”

“Doors that form part of the pool barrier will have to be replaced with a fence under the draft new laws. ”

“In addition, all portable pools deeper than 300mm may need to be fenced and powers of entry could be increased for council inspectors. The Regulatory Impact Statement outlining the fine detail of the new safety standards will be available for public comment from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning’s website for four weeks at www.dip.qld.gov.au.”

“This process is about asking for, receiving and assessing public consultation on the Regulatory Impact Statement. If the laws are approved and the Building Act 1975 amended, the estimated average cost for pool owners to upgrade a fence to meet the new standard has been estimated at $430,” Carolyn Male MP said.

Public consultation will close 16 May 2010.