From today's ABC News:

<< Qld Govt urged to toughen pool safety laws

A coroner in Toowoomba in south-east Queensland has urged the State Government to go even further with its new pool safety laws.

[...]

Coroner Kay Ryan yesterday handed down her findings into the drowning of two-year-old Hannah Plint at Laidley, west of Ipswich, in October last year.

As well as recommending the Government's measures, Ms Ryan called for the Australian standard for pools, gates and fences to be upgraded to include a child restraint lock.

She also recommended certificates of pool compliance be introduced as a condition of property settlement.

Swim coach Laurie Lawrence says the coroner's findings should form part of a comprehensive strategy to stop toddler drownings. >>

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/23/2453400.htm

Cup handle

I am with yourself Morgan, Col and others on this.

It’s all about revenue for the state governments and councils, (jobs for the boys.)... Provide work for the builders etc.

Now here’s an idea. Col Rouge on another thread suggested we take more control ‘ourselves’.

Ok, then why not have a start a system where by the funds raised goes back to the public to erect pools fences of those whom want them.

This would include monies spent on TV advertising costs radio special reports etc.

Personally I resent being forced to destroy the look of my property + pay thousands of dollars because some parents down the street might let their young child trespass.

Interesting you should open this thread now Cup handle. I am keeping an eye on a NSW Council who has changed the zoning of land on a farm I purchased with less people living there now than in 1930.

They are changing it from rural to residential, Umm, considering there is no road rubbish collection sewage water postal one has to wonder what they are up to.

My suspicious mind tells me because there are six or seven new property owners who are buying in this area they think they have found a new way to fund raise for the local council.

The first thing I build was an animal shelter followed by a twelve foot dam. Then erected an above ground pool and carted water from a hundred and fifty ks away to fill it instead of pumping from the creek so as to not upset the farmers.

Then a hot tub from eBay and filled it from the huge water tank I erected.

I have already raised the ‘Permit aspect’ with the council- i.e.

Are you now going to try to come back at me in twelve months and ask where is your permit to build a shelter?- Where is your fencing around your hot tub and swimming pool?
Farmers are exempt from fencing pools if there property is over two hectares.
Oe is that about to change too!?