The NSW Government's decision to grant pool owners a further 12-month extension to make sure they have a valid compliance certificate before a property can be sold or leased has been welcomed by the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin said the Institute had lobbied Minister for Local Government Paul Toole to extend the deadline for a second time after it became clear that the number of existing qualified inspectors was still inadequate to respond to market demand.
"While we are disappointed that the pool compliance deadline has had to be extended by a further 12 months, it is important to ensure that property owners are not adversely affected," Mr McKibbin said.
The 12 month extension follows on from a similar announcement made in March 2014 by the office of the Minister for Local Government and sees a new deadline of 29 April 2016.
"We hope that enough time and resources will be put towards this important compliance and safety requirement. We do not wish to see any further delays in regard to this process, but are glad the government heard our concerns and acted," Mr McKibbin said.
Minister for Local Government Paul Toole said in a statement that they have listened to stakeholder requests for more time and examined the evidence from certifiers.
"The evidence showed there was a high failure rate for initial inspections and a heavy demand to make pools compliant," he said.
According to the Department for Local Government the extension until 29 April 2016 ensures:
- Homeowners and landlords wishing to make pools compliant but experiencing a wait for a contractor will have sufficient time;
- Increased numbers of qualified private certifiers to conduct inspections;
- More certifier courses available to ensure that the high standard of inspections is maintained; and
- Councils will continue to run risk-based inspection programs, including compulsory three-yearly inspections for strata units, tourist and visitor accommodation, to improve compliance rates and child safety around backyard pools.
The NSW Government and REINSW encourages all owners of properties with a pool or spa who are thinking of selling or leasing to immediately apply for a Swimming Pool Certificate of Compliance.
For further information or to arrange an interview with REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin, please contact: Helen Hull – 0419 642 961 or [email protected].