NSW Local Government Minister Don Page today released a number of options to strengthen the State’s laws around backyard swimming pools, to better protect young children from drowning.

Mr Page said the Discussion Paper was seeking comment on a number of potential new safety measures including the creation of a statewide swimming pool register, mandatory inspection of pool barriers at any property with a pool at the point of lease or sale, and a pool inspection regime run by councils, including for tourist and visitor accommodation, and other multi-occupancy developments.

Many pet owners are probably aware that their dog dislikes thunderstorms, their strange behaviour as the clouds roll in giving away their fear and displeasure.

However, many pet owners might be unaware that such behaviour is very common – almost all dogs hate thunderstorms.