Community Safety in the Former Mullewa Ward
The City of Greater Geraldton is considering removing exemptions from having to obtain building approval for Class 10 buildings and from having to construct a pool barrier around swimming pools and spas.
Below is information in response to questions the proposed changes are likely to raise.
Frequently asked questions
- What areas are affected by the proposed changes?
The existing exemptions apply to all land within the former Mullewa Ward, excluding land within a townsite. Click here to see a map of the affected area.
- What is a Class 10 building?
Class 10 buildings are non-habitable buildings or structures. Class 10 includes three sub-classifications: Class 10a, Class 10b and Class 10c.
Class 10a buildings are non-habitable buildings including sheds, carports, patios and private garages.
Class 10b is a structure being a fence, mast, antenna, retaining wall, swimming pool, or the like.
A Class 10c building is a private bushfire shelter. A private bushfire shelter is a structure associated with, but not attached to, a Class 1a building.
- Are farm sheds Class 10 buildings?
It depends on the occupancy, use and size. Buildings used for farming-type purposes are often very diverse in nature. For example, a shed for parking a single tractor may be Class 10a, however if multiple tractors and other farm machinery is parked, the building may be Class 7a (or even Class 8 if mechanics were employed to regularly work on the machinery within the building).
- I have an existing Class 10 building. Would I have to get a building approval for it if the exemption is removed?
Approval would only be required for new Class 10 buildings. Existing Class 10 buildings constructed while the exemption is in place do not need approval if the exemption is removed.
- What is a pool barrier?
Details about pool barriers, including when they need to be installed, can be found online here.
- How long will I have to install a pool barrier around my existing pool if the exemption is removed?
Pool owners will have 12 months to install a pool barrier to their existing pool if the exemption is removed, if one is not already in place.
- Are there requirements that a pool barrier must meet?
In Western Australia, pool barriers must meet strict safety standards to help prevent young children from gaining access to the pool area, ensuring overall safety. These requirements are governed by the Building Act 2011, Building Regulations 2012 and Australian Standard AS 1926.1-2012 for pool safety.
The Western Australian Government has prepared the document Rules for Pools and Spas which is available online. Refer to that document for further details on pool barrier requirements.
- How will I know if my pool barrier meets the requirements?
The City of Greater Geraldton must inspect pool barriers when they are first installed to confirm that they meet the relevant requirements. They are then inspected once every four years to ensure they remain compliant.
The City will contact you to organise the initial and four yearly inspections.
- How much will it cost to have a pool safety barrier installed?
In regional Western Australia, the cost of installing a compliant pool barrier varies based on factors such as the type of barrier, materials used, pool size, and specific site conditions.
Given the variability in costs, it's advisable to obtain quotes from local pool fencing contractors. They can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific requirements and site conditions.
- How much does it cost to have my pool inspected?
The first pool inspection will cost $88.00. This is charged at the time of the inspection.
An additional $58.45 will be added to your rates notice each year to cover the cost of the four yearly inspection.
- What happens if I don’t comply with the regulations?
You are committing an offence and may be liable to payment of a significant fine if prosecuted and found guilty.
If you have a question that isn’t answered above, please contact the City on 08 9956 6600 or 1300 08 995.