Upcoming Swimming Pool and Spa Inspections

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River will carry out inspections of all private swimming pool and spa enclosures within the Shire in the coming months.

The State Government introduced legislation under Section 245A(5) the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960 (now repealed), requiring Local Authorities to inspect all private swimming pool/spa enclosures for compliance with the relevant Standards and Codes periodically, at not more than every four years. Regulation 53(1) of the Building Regulations 2012 now provides this requirement.

The Home Pool Inspection Program will be carried out as follows:

• Augusta – Witchcliffe: 07 March to 20 March
• Cowaramup, Osmington and Gracetown: 21 March to 03 April
• Margaret River: 04 April to 17 April        
• Prevelly, Gnarabup and Rosa Brook: 18 April to 01 May

The Shire is providing a booking service that allows you to call or email to book in for a preferred inspection time. This will allow the Shire’s Building Services Department to provide you with important information on how to continue to maintain a safe swimming pool environment. This service is also useful if it is difficult to gain access to your swimming pool during the day. Please note if you do not make an appointment, authority to enter onto your property to undertake the inspection by an authorised person, without consent or an entry warrant, is provided under Section 100(1) of the Building Act 2011.

If you would like to book an inspection time, please contact Administrator Building Applications Christie Payne on 08 9780 5291 or at [email protected].

To check if your pool or spa meets the Australian Standards prior to your inspection, please refer to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety's website. This will assist you in avoiding re-inspection costs.

If your swimming pool has been recently constructed and inspected within the last 12 months, you are exempt from this inspection. Regulation 53(2b) of the Building Regulations 2012, sets the maximum inspection charge at $58.45. This fee has been automatically added to your Rates Notice.

If you would like more information please contact Building Services Coordinator Chris Wenham on 08 9780 5291 or at [email protected].