Australian Government Department Climate Change website - http://www.climatechange.gov.au/Environmental Health and Sustainability ProgramEnvironmental health is encompassed within the broader area of public health. Sustainable Development is a core guiding principle of environmental health practice and requires that development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The City’s Environmental Health Department and Sustainability Team is responsible for reducing the amount of harm in the community caused by physical, chemical, biological and radiological factors in the environment. A brief introduction to key program areas is listed below. Please contact us on (08) 99 566 600 or call in and see us at the Cathedral Avenue offices in Geraldton for any enquiries relating to these matters. Food SafetyFood for sale is required to be in a condition which is safe and suitable for human consumption. The City works with food businesses to develop food safe plans congruent with requirements of the Food Standards of Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ), and local food businesses are able to apply for food safe accreditation. See link to Food Safety Standards 3.2.2 Food NewsFood Safety TrainingAlthough the City of Geraldton-Greenough is able to provide you with information towards achieving food safety, the City is not a registered training organization. Registered training organizations who deliver training in food handling such as Central West TAFE and Central West Consultancy & Training Services, can be found in you local phone directory. If your needs can not be met locally, there is online food safety training available Australia wide through CFT. Food Safety MaterialThe City has resource materials for self education, including videos, DVDs and posters that can be accessed through the City’s Environmental Health Department. A food safety DVD titled Australian Food Safety Essentials is also available from the City Library. A training manual is available with this DVD. In addition to these resources, go to www.ausfoodnews.com.au to view a food safety resource catalogue of food issues Australia wide. Public BuildingsPublic Buildings are required to be safe for use by the public and designed and maintained to meet additional public health standards required by the Health Act. See the link to the Public Buildings Guide for further information. Accommodation Premises (Lodging Houses)Accommodation premises that do not have a liquor license are required to be registered and all are required to be safe and well maintained for use by the public. Accommodation premises include caravan parks, hotels and motels, hostels, backpackers and bed and breakfasts that offer accommodation for 6 or more unrelated people. Aquatic FacilitiesAquatic facilities are required to be maintained safe for use by the public. Water quality is required to meet safe standards. Beauty and AppearancesActivities related to hair dressing, beauty and body treatments are required to be conducted safely, and premises maintained in a clean condition. Regulations & Codes of practice have to be observed to protect clients from exposure to communicable diseases. See Links to Skin, Penetration, Hairdressing and Solaria Pest ControlPesticides are required to be applied safely so as not to cause harm to human health or well being. The City does not play a role in pesticide treatments of a domestic nature. Please refer to yellow pages for a list of registered Pesticide operators. See link to Pesticide Safety Environmental Health Worker ProgramThe City employs an Indigenous Environmental Health Worker trained to provide equity of service to indigenous members of the community. The Indigenous Environmental Health Worker program addresses issues concerning water, sewerage & rubbish disposal in collaboration with relevant agency services and householder levels. It also incorporates limited pest treatments, dog health and health promotion programs. See link to Office of Aboriginal Health SustainabilityThe City employs environmental officers to implement environmental sustainability projects including addressing climate change, promoting community environmental awareness, water smart initiatives, national tree day, plant nursery, biodiversity, coastal management and numerous other community based projects. Sustainability assessments will also be conducted on targeted City assets and businesses and various programs implemented to facilitate reduced carbon emissions. See link to how you can make a difference to combat climate change http://www.climatechange.gov.au/ Health Nuisance ComplaintsThe City’s Environmental Health Department investigates and actions local environmental health related complaints in order to prevent or minimise conditions which may be harmful to health and well being. The City also works with other agencies where complaints are of a nature that require interventions by State or other authorities. Pamphlets are available to deal with many nuisance issues. See Links to Pamphlets and Health Directory |