A ROCKHAMPTON pool expert has backed the introduction of legislation that will give Queensland the toughest regime in the country.
Introduced this week, the new laws include increased pool inspection powers and require the issue of a safety certificate before a house with a pool can be sold or leased.
Craig Gibbs, franchisee of Poolwerx Rockhampton and Yeppoon, said his company was 100% behind the amendments.
"They're long overdue. Poolwerx are one of the front runners of this program and are very heavily aligned with the Royal Life Saving Society."
Mr Gibbs said the laws were necessary due to consumer complacency.
"The consumer is complacent when it comes to safety around the pool. If they don't have children they think it doesn't apply to them."
Queensland Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said pool inspections for the sale or lease of a house would come in on December 1 and would cost between $90 and $130.
"Under the amendments, owners of regulated pools will be required to ensure their pools are registered. An offence will apply to owners who fail to do so."
Mr Hinchcliffe also said the new laws were in response to the high number of children drowning in Queensland.
"Last year eight children under the age of four drowned in Queensland pools," he said.
