Environmental Health

Environmental health covers a very broad field that includes administering health standards of food and food premises, buildings, water supplies, on site sewerage disposal, control of infectious disease, noise, waste management including recycling, vermin and nuisance complaints. The Principal Environmental Health Officer is responsible for all matters relating to environmental health services.

Information relevant after a Bush Fire

Bush Fire Hazards

Using a rain water tank after a bush fire

Food

Inspections of food premises are undertaken regularly within the Shire. All premises are expected to be maintained in accordance with the Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations.

Temporary food stalls are expected to operate under guidelines that ensure only activities that reflect the level of hygiene control are carried out.

Requirements for One Day Food Stalls

Application for Foodstall

Food Standards Website

Public Health Website

Food Business Registration

New Fact Sheet for Prospective Food Manufacturing Businesses

The Department of Health has produced a new fact sheet for prospective food manufacturing businesses: Thinking About Starting a Food Manufacturing Business? The fact sheet is designed to provide prospective food manufacturing business owners with a simple overview of the food legislative requirements when starting a new food manufacturing business, and is in the format of frequently asked questions. The fact sheet is available on the Department of Health website for the general public, and for Food Act enforcement agencies to distribute. 

Infectious Diseases

Notifications of infectious disease are investigated and appropriate action is taken where necessary.

Water Sampling

Water samples from commercial/semi commercial sources (farm stays) are tested on a regular basis to determine its suitability for human consumption.

Sewerage

Systems are required to be approved prior to their installation. Septic tanks and alternative sewerage treatment systems are inspected at the installation stage and later should problems arise with malfunctions. Please click here for Septic Tank Application

Asbestos Cement Fencing

Please find some Guidance Information here in regards to Asbestos Cement Fences.

This Guidance Note provides advice on the identification and management of cement sheet fences made with asbestos-containing materials (ACM)(asbestos fences)in residential settings.

It is useful to know if a fence is ACM (asbestos containing material) in case it is in a poor and potentially dangerous condition or may be disturbed by subsequent activities such as home repairs, renovation or demolition.

Public Swimming Pool

Water samples are undertaken on a regular basis during the period the swimming pool is opened to the public. Samples are taken to establish that the chemical balance is correct and that bacteriologically the water is sound.

Updated requirements for swimming and spa pool safety barriers

In Western Australia, the design, construction and installation of private swimming and spa pools and their safety barriers is subject to strict building requirements under the Building Regulations 2012 (the Regulations). Owners and occupiers also have ongoing legal obligations to maintain their safety barriers at all times.

On 1 May 2016 the Regulations relating to private swimming and spa pools changed.

The Building Commission has updated the publication "Rules for Pools and Spas" to reflect the safety barrier requirements that apply to private swimming and spa pools in Western Australia. This edition replaces the previous 2012 edition.

In April and May 2016, the Building Commission held a number of information sessions on the changing requirements for swimming and spa pool safety barriers. An adaption of these presentations is available to view online.

Further information on requirements for swimming and spa pools is available on the Building Commission website.

Other Environmental Health Areas Controlled

• Accommodation - caravan park and farm stays, hotel and motel accommodation
• Private swimming pools
• Lighting and ventilation of buildings
• Food vending vehicles
• Public buildings
• Hairdressing establishments