Page 4491 - Week 15 - Thursday, 22 November 1990
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MR DUBY: I thank Mr Stevenson for the question. Even though a lot of people have chuckled at it, it sounds to me like a very sensible question. To tell you the truth, I do not know the legal requirement as to whether lamps should be placed on barriers across roads. The reason the barrier is there, of course, is to prevent traffic from going down to the intersection of Wakefield Avenue and Limestone-Majura Avenue, which, of course, has been under the process of reconstruction for some time. I am pleased to announce that the work, which was held up for some time, has now resumed. It is anticipated that that particular intersection will be open to traffic again within a matter of some weeks.
However, about the major problem of the barrier at Wakefield and Dooring, I am not familiar with the law and whether lamps should be there. If there have been a number of accidents or incidents involving those barriers I shall certainly take steps to see whether it is practical or impractical to install lamps on them.
Backyard Swimming Pools
MR STEFANIAK: My question is to the Minister for Finance and Urban Services. Would the Minister please tell the Assembly what measures the Government is taking in relation to backyard swimming pools?
MR DUBY: I thank Mr Stefaniak for the question. Members will be aware that as of 1 November this year the Australian Design Rules in relation to the isolation fencing of backyard pools for new swimming pools has been in place in the ACT. Actually, off the top of my head I believe it was from Monday, 5 November. That means that all prospective builders seeking approval to build a pool in their yard are required, as of that date, to provide isolation fencing around that pool in compliance with the Australian Design Rules.
In relation to the provision of isolation fencing around swimming pools generally - this is a matter of quite a deal of interest throughout the community - I am aware that in September New South Wales introduced legislation to that effect. All existing pools have to be isolation fenced, compulsorily, within a period of, I believe, two years. There are certain provisions for exemption. I also believe that similar legislation will shortly be introduced in Queensland and Victoria.
The Government is looking at the position of isolation fencing for existing pools. We are analysing the position and seeing whether there is some way that that legislation may be brought forward. Indeed, I am currently getting information together and I am in the process of putting to Government a proposal to introduce into the ACT legislation which may well follow the New South Wales legislation in relation to existing pools.
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