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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PLAN

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Authority and Other Information

Date of approval 17 April, 2013

Source of approval Council Resolution No 18.023/13*

Date of commencement 17 April, 2013

Source of authority

Local Government Act 1993 Food Act 2003 Public Health Act 1997 Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 Litter Act 2007 Building Act 2000 Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 Burial and Cremation Act 2002 Caravan By-Law 2005 Waste Management By-Law 2012

Legislative reference As above

Delegations As outlined in the Plan

Strategic plan reference

4.4 Goal: To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors Strategy: Develop and implement an Environmental Health Plan including review of statutory targets and obligations

Date of review July 2014

Previous plans withdrawn or amended Environmental Health Management Plan adopted by Council in 1999

Department responsible for implementation Planning and Legal Services

Department and unit responsible for plan Environmental Health Unit

Publication of plan

A copy of the Environmental Health Plan for Huon Valley Council will be placed on Council’s website and made available for inspection and free of charge from the Customer Service Centre.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 4

DEMOGRAPHIC AND GEOGRAPHIC PROFILE ..................................................................................... 5

RISK PRIORITISATION ............................................................................................................................. 6

PROGRAM 1 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY .................................................................................. 9

PROGRAM 1.1 FOOD REGULATION AND SURVEILLANCE .......................................................... 9

PROGRAM 1.2 WATER SURVEILLANCE ...................................................................................... 11

PROGRAM 1.2.1 RECREATIONAL WATERS ............................................................................ 11

PROGRAM 1.2.2 DRINKING WATERS ....................................................................................... 13

PROGRAM 1.3 INFECTIOUS DISEASE .......................................................................................... 15

PROGRAM 1.3.1 PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ACTIVITIES .............................................................. 15

PROGRAM 1.3.2 IMMUNISATION .............................................................................................. 16

PROGRAM 1.3.3 NOTIFIABLE DISEASE CONTROL AND INVESTIGATION .......................... 18

PROGRAM 1.3.4 REGULATED SYSTEMS ................................................................................. 19

PROGRAM 1.4 PLACES OF ASSEMBLY ....................................................................................... 20

PROGRAM 1.5 PUBLIC HEALTH NUISANCE INVESTIGATIONS ................................................. 22

PROGRAM 2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT .......................................................................... 24

PROGRAM 2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ......................................................................... 24

PROGRAM 2.2 BUILT ENVIRONMENT .......................................................................................... 26

PROGRAM 3 HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROMOTION ................................................................ 28

PROGRAM 4 MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES ................................................................................. 30

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Introduction Councils within Tasmania have statutory responsibilities for promoting acceptable standards of environmental health within their municipal area through the administration of legislation, provision of environmental health services and community education. Key legislation administered to promote acceptable standards of environmental health at the local level includes the Public Health Act 1997, Food Act 2003, Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994, Local Government Act 1993 and Building Act 2000. Council has an environmental health unit within its Planning and legal Services Department which is responsible for administering the above mentioned Acts. The central purpose of the Environmental Health Plan, or the “Plan”, is to adopt a proactive, strategic approach to managing identified public and environmental health issues within the Huon Valley municipal area and to provide clear direction to those Sections of Council contributing to the management of public and environmental health. The Plan updates the previous ‘Environmental Health Management Plan’ adopted by Council in 1999 and will set out objectives in relation to:

Council’s public health role and statutory responsibilities, as defined by State and Federal policy and legislation

Public and environmental health issues of importance to the Council area and the community

In a broad sense the benefits of the Plan include: Improved management of environmental health issues A holistic, integrated approach to environmental health Better community health outcomes Increased ability to recognise and address new and emerging health issues More effective use of coordinated resources Effective advocacy and raised profile of Local Government Local Government contribution to State Health targets Realising and achieving realistic goals for the environmental health unit considering the allocated

resources, budget and equipment available This Plan will be implemented alongside Huon Valley Council’s 2020 Community Plan, 2010-2015 Strategic Plan and the environmental health component of the current Annual Plan.

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Environmental Health ‘Environmental Health’ considers the inter-relationships between people’s health and their environment (the place in which they live). The Environmental Health Officer is the principal practitioner in this field. The main functions in environmental health outlined in this plan are:

Disease control, including immunisation services, public health risk activities and notifiable disease investigations

Food regulation and surveillance Maintenance of appropriate standards for public-use buildings Health education and promotion Drinking water quality monitoring and remediation Surveillance of recreational water bodies including swimming pools and swimming beaches Surveillance of public health risk activities and regulated systems.

The principle statutes are the Public Health Act 1997 and the Food Act 2003.

Environmental Management ‘Environmental Management’ is an integrated approach to achieve a sustainable future. When applied to activities or developments it involves:

The application of the principles of ecology, pollution control and environmental planning; and The methodology of monitoring the impact of proposed development.

The main functions in environmental management outlined in this plan are:

Environmental water and air quality monitoring and remediation The assessment and issuing of special plumbing permits for on-site wastewater management

systems Monitoring and response to environmentally relevant activities including level 1 Activities Assessment of existing developments and new applications for development Response to environmental nuisances

The principle statutes are the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994, the Land Use Planning Approvals Act 1993, the Building Act 2000 and the Litter Act 2007.

Demographic and Geographic Profile The Huon Valley Council covers 5497 square kilometres and is the southern most local government area in Australia. The area is renowned for its produce, mushrooms, wine, seafood, fruit and gourmet delicacies. The "A Taste of the Huon", held in March every year, is a weekend celebration of the best that the Valley has to offer. Road side stalls sell many of the in season fruits such as apples, pears and berries, for a fraction of the cost of supermarkets. The Huon Valley has embraced its heritage while forging ahead with newer industries, agriculture, viticulture, forestry, tourism and aquaculture thrive side by side, providing jobs for the 15,841^ residents and the seasonal influx of fruit pickers. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011

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Risk Prioritisation The program areas for this environmental health plan were categorised by considering the potential threats to human health and the possible impact on the environment, using the AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009, Risk Management – Principles and Guidelines and the Guiding Principles of the Australian Charter for Environmental Health. The two most variable factors in prioritising programs are health risk and community expectation as expressed through either community groups or Council. Another factor that affects priority is legislative requirements. For example, if a function is both a high risk to public health and carries a high community expectation, it must assume the highest priority. Alternatively, if the public health risk is low and there is no legislative requirement and no community expectation, the program will carry a low priority.

Review The plan will be reviewed annually within Council to facilitate alterations to priorities, if necessary, in light of changing community needs and to enable progress to be assessed.

Who is this plan for? This plan is intended to assist the Council and Officers in meeting their responsibilities in accordance with the abovementioned Acts. It also aims to facilitate accountability and to assist the community in understanding both the obligations and functions of the Environmental Health Unit within the Planning and Legal Services Department. Its stakeholders and stake holdings are therefore: Internal:

Mayor and Councillors General Manager Manager Planning and Legal Services All Departmental Managers and Officers; and particularly Environmental Health Officers.

External:

Residents, ratepayers and visitors Properties or businesses, establishments or buildings specifically covered by any one or more of

the above Acts Builders, plumbers, on-site waste water management specialists and other tradespeople Environmental Health Australia (Formerly the Australian Institute of Environmental Health) State Government agencies including the Population Health Communicable Diseases Prevention

Units within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Environment Protection Authority within the Department of Primary Industries Parks Water and Environment (DPIPWE).

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What resources are committed to Environmental Health by Council? In Tasmania, adequate EHO numbers in the workplace has been an issue in recent years and Huon Valley Council has not been an exception. The Local Government Environmental Health Workforce Survey 2005 Report stated that a benchmark ratio of one full time Environmental Health Officer (EHO) to 10,000 persons is appropriate to provide the level of expected service from the community. At the time of producing this Plan (March 2012), Huon Valley Council had one full time Senior EHO and one full time EHO. The environmental health unit works closely with the Customer Service Unit on various procedures and processes and some administrative support is provided to the EH unit. The environmental health service is one of the functions performed by Councils Planning and Legal Services Department. The following Officers have responsibilities within the Environmental Health (EH) Unit:

Manager Planning and Legal Services Full time Senior Environmental Health Officer Full time Environmental Health Officer

If the budget allows, an environmental health consultant may be engaged when required to cover leave. The activities and responsibilities within the environmental health program are divided up between the Senior EHO and the EHO based on the following factors and considerations:

Roles and responsibilities outlined in each respective Position Description (PD) Specialist skills and knowledge required for particular areas including school based immunisation

program and on-site waste water management Preferred or delegated parts of the program as agreed upon between the Senior EHO and EHO

Specialist equipment available for the EH Unit includes:

One motor vehicle allocated to the Unit’s use with large tool box provided Infrared Raytek thermometer and Testo 826-24 probe/infrared thermometer Equipment for site and soil evaluation including constant head test kit and hand auger Immunisation fridge and small fridge for food sampling Mobile phone Digital camera Usual office furnishings, computer related equipment and personal protective equipment

The activities recommended throughout this Plan take into account the current level of resourcing and equipment available to the EH unit.

Certificates of Authority for Senior EHO and EHO

Senior EHO EHO Act/Regulation/By-law Environmental Health Officer Environmental Health Officer Public Health Act 1997 Authorised Officer Authorised Officer Food Act 2003 Person Authorised to enter land Person Authorised to enter land Local Government Act 1993 Authorised Officer Authorised Officer Litter Act 2007 Council Officer Council Officer Environmental Management and

Pollution Control Act 1994 Authorised Officer Authorised Officer Burial and Cremation Act 2001 Authorised Officer Authorised Officer Drains Act 1954 Permit Authority - Building Act 2000 Authorised Officer Authorised Officer Waste Management By-Law 2012

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Reporting requirements Annual

Recreational Water Quality Report (Council & DHHS) – by 30 September each year Drinking Water Report (Council & DHHS) - by 30 September each year Report on all registered systems operating in the municipal area - by 30 September each year Annual Public Health Statement (Council) – Required in accordance with S.71 and S.72 of the

Local Government Act 1993. To be provided by end of July each year Environmental Health Annual Report (Council & DHHS) - by 30 September each year

Quarterly EHO report to Council (summary of activities conducted by Environmental Health Unit) Auditing MAV Insurance Liability audit conducted generally every second “even” year, targeting specific parts of the environmental health program. Internal auditing of the environmental health program conducted in accordance with Huon Valley Council Performance Measures Manual which sets out the parts of the program to be audited and the frequency. The internal auditing is an opportunity to review all processes and record keeping associated with particular parts of the program and prepares the unit for the MAV Insurance Liability audit.

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PROGRAM 1 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

PROGRAM 1.1 FOOD REGULATION AND SURVEILLANCE Background As of January 2013 there were 152 registered food premises in the Huon Valley municipal area. Council undertakes regular inspections to ensure the suitability and safety of the food. Regulation of the provision of safe food is critical for preventing food-borne illness in the community. Statistics from the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand in 2009 estimated that about 5.4 million cases of food-borne disease occur throughout Australia each year. Additionally, about 120 people die due to food poisoning each year in Australia. The Food Act 2003 regulates the provision of food that is both safe and suitable for human consumption. Huon Valley Council is an “Enforcement Agency” under the Food Act 2003 and is therefore responsible for enforcing the Act’s requirements across all food businesses in the municipal area. Ensuring that food safety standards are met requires both a pro-active educational approach and ongoing inspections of food premises by Council’s Environmental Health Officers Council’s Environmental Health Unit recognises that pro-active education on food safety needs to be a priority along with effective regulatory enforcement. Priority High Goals Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: “To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors”. Additionally:

To improve the standard of food production and reduce the prevalence of food borne illness. Ensure the production of safe food within the municipal area Ensure that all food handlers within the municipal area have access to appropriate training and

information to improve their skills and knowledge Ensure information is provided to the community regarding all relevant State and Federal

legislation Strategic and Operational Links Environmental and public health component of Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Food Act 2003 and Food Regulations 2012 Food Standards Code Building Act 2000 Australian Standard AS 4674-2004 – Design, construction and fit-out of food premises. Councils Enforcement Policy

Activities

Issuing of annual certificates of food business registrations and high risk growers market registrations

Annual renewal applications registrations sent out mid-May of each year and registrations issued and valid from 1 July each year until 31 June the following year

Issuing of temporary food business registrations and attendance/regulation of the larger annual events including the Cygnet Folk Festival, the Huon Show and A Taste of the Huon

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Issue Growers Market registrations for high risk foods and produce notifications for low risk foods proposed to be sold at the various growers markets in the municipal area

Conduct routine inspections of each registered food premises. The frequency of the inspections will depend on the food businesses risk classification which is determined through an annual audit undertaken in accordance with the FSANZ Priority Classification System for Food Businesses.

Inspection and audit details entered in Councils Pathway system and registered in ECM Endeavour to commit to producing and circulating an annual newsletter to all registered food

businesses Conduct food sampling when deemed appropriate to ensure compliance with the requirements of

the Food Standards Code Participation, when deemed appropriate, in the Southern Regional Food Sampling Program and

State wide food sampling program when run by DHHS Monitoring of businesses requiring food safety plans (i.e. vulnerable persons and businesses

manufacturing ready to eat meats) and assessment of annual third part audits to check for compliance and corrective actions identified in the reports

New Initiatives

Implementation and rollout of the online “I’m Alert” Food Safety – interactive training tool. Members of the public can access this training software on Council’s website at no cost

Sale of probe and fridge thermometers over the counter at customer service to members of the public to make these food safety tools more easily accessible for food operators

At client’s request, conduct a pre-purchase food premises inspection and provide report detailing the premises compliance with the Food Safety Code.

Performance Indicators

All food premises to be registered and inspected according to the requirements of the Food Act 2003 and the Food Standards Code

Outcomes of food sampling to be monitored Funding

Annual and Temporary Food Business registration fees Infringement notices Budget allocation DHHS funding for State wide food sampling program

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PROGRAM 1.2 WATER SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM 1.2.1 RECREATIONAL WATERS Background Council has an obligation to monitor its recreational waters in accordance with the Public Health Act 1997 and the Recreational Water Quality Guidelines 2007 issued by the Director of Public Health. Public recreational water environments and facilities such as public pools, spas and swimming beaches pose potential health risks if not regularly monitored and properly maintained. Water sampling of identified swimming beaches including Randalls Bay and Dover Beach was conducted during the summer months of 2009 through to 2011/2012. The outcome from the sampling was permanent swimming advisory signage erected at both these locations. Monitoring and sampling of known swimming beaches or natural environments is conducted if deemed appropriate by the EHO. Huon Valley Council conducts monthly sampling at two swimming pools within the municipal area. Huon Valley Council has one main open-air public pool at Huonville that consists of a 50 metre pool. This operates in the summer months from October to the end of March the following year. The Council owned Port Huon Swimming Pool is enclosed and operates throughout the year. Priority Medium Goals Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: “To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors”. Additionally:

To ensure that recreational waters are monitored and where possible, managed in such a way so that they do not pose a risk to public health due to contact with the water

To ensure that public swimming pools within Huon Valley are maintained to a safe standard such that it will not support harmful microorganisms and do not pose a threat to public health

Strategic and Operational Links Environmental and public health component of Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Public Health Act 1997 Recreational Water Quality Guidelines 2007 Australian Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting 2000

Activities

Sampling of any identified primary swimming beach deemed appropriate based on risk to public health. The sampling regime is to be conducted in accordance with the Australian Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting 2000 and the Recreational Water Quality Guidelines 2007

Respond to complaints about the quality of recreational waters in the municipal area and direct to DPIPWE if necessary

Provide information to the community about the quality of various recreational waters and what activities may not be recommended in certain areas based on environmental influences or otherwise

Erection of appropriate signage to warn the community in the event of contamination Conduct monthly sampling of pools (when operating) and submit for laboratory examination Respond to complaints about the quality of the water Conduct random inspections of the pools and their facilities to ensure they are kept in a clean and

sanitary condition

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Performance Indicators

Number of samples failing to meet the prescribed standards Number of complaints or recurring complaints about quality of recreational waters Response time to identified problems Complaints recorded Compliance with submitted annual reports to the DHHS.

Funding

Allocation under water analysis budget.

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PROGRAM 1.2.2 DRINKING WATERS Background In accordance with the Public Health Act 1997 and the Drinking Water Quality Guidelines issued by the Director of Public Health, Council is to monitor the quality of water within its municipal area including private water suppliers and commercial water carters. Whilst Council is not required to manage or regulate any reticulated drinking water schemes in the municipal area, it is still expected that Council is aware of the general water quality of such schemes and if advised by Southern Water that a scheme has become contaminated, endeavour as best as practicably possible to contact and advise relevant businesses, including food premises, of the risks to any food preparation involving the use of potentially contaminated waters and recommend alternative methods to protect the integrity of the food. Council also has a responsibility to regulate commercial water carters delivering drinking water to properties and private water suppliers including bed and breakfast businesses and other businesses offering water to their customers that are not on a potable, reticulated water supply. For properties that are not on reticulated water supplies and rely on rain water collection, Council’s EH unit can provide advice to the public on how to protect and maintain their household drinking water supply systems. Priority Medium-High Goals Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: “To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors”. Additionally: To ensure that drinking water available to the community, excluding reticulated drinking water schemes owned by Southern Water is managed and monitored in such a way so that it does not pose a risk to public health. Strategic and Operational Links Environmental and public health component of Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Public Health Act 1997 Drinking Water Quality Guidelines 2005 Australian Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting 2000.

Activities

Issuing of three year permits to commercial water carters in accordance with Appendix B of the Drinking Water Quality Guidelines issued by the Director of Public Health

Renewal applications for commercial water carters sent out first week of August every 3 years (issued 2012) and permits issued and valid from 1 September each year until 31 August three years after

Annual inspections, and sampling if deemed necessary, of water carters that hold a permit with Huon Valley Council

Maintain commercial water carter and private water supplier applications in Pathway and back-up spreadsheet in EHO folder

One off registrations of private water suppliers identified in the municipal area including bed and breakfasts, hotels and facilities where water is available to the public for consumption from their unique, approved water supply

Provide information to community on the quality of the water and what activities are not recommended

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If notified by Southern Water that a potable, reticulated water scheme is contaminated, promptly communicate information to any food businesses using water for food preparation

Appropriate signage to warn the community in the event of contamination If requested by a member of the public the EHO can take a water sample from a person’s water

tank to test for target bacteria or pathogens. This is performed at the Council approved fee Performance Indicators

Number of samples failing to meet the prescribed standards Number of complaints Recurring complaints Response time to identified problems Compliance with submitted annual reports to the DHHS

Funding

Water carter permit fees and private water supplier registration fees Budget allocation

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PROGRAM 1.3 INFECTIOUS DISEASE PROGRAM 1.3.1 PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ACTIVITIES Background Public health risk activities, or ‘skin penetration activities’ include ear and body piercing and tattooing. As of January 2013 there were two registered businesses in the Huon Valley municipal area that conduct these activities. If performed unsafely, skin penetration procedures such as tattooing and body piercing have the potential to spread infectious disease and viruses such as hepatitis and HIV. Therefore, the above businesses need to follow proper infection control procedures. In accordance with the Public Health Act 1997, any person or business conducting a public health risk activity must be licensed with Council and conduct the activity in a registered premise. The activity must be conducted in accordance with the relevant Guideline endorsed by the Director of Public Health. Priority Medium-High Goals Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: “To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors”. Additionally: Ensure that all skin penetration premises in the municipal area operate in accordance with legislative requirements and relevant DHHS Guidelines. Strategic and Operational Links Environmental and public health component of Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Public Health Act 1997 Guidelines for Tattooing, Guidelines for Ear and Body Piercing Councils Enforcement Policy

Activities

Registering of premises where Public Health Risk Activities (PHRA) are conducted and licensing of persons conducting PHRA

Annual renewal applications for licences and registrations generated in Pathway and sent out first week of October each year and registrations and licences valid from 1 November each year until 31 October the following year

Maintain PHRA spreadsheet in EHO public health folder to ensure current Conduct annual routine inspections and respond to complaints Provide relevant information and educate employees working in this area on the dangers

associated with skin penetration and best practice Performance Indicators

Workload – number of complaints Premises achieving compliance with annual inspections Number of letters, infringement and other notices issued

Funding

Budget allocation Licence fees Infringement notices

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PROGRAM 1.3.2 IMMUNISATION Background There is a legislative requirement under the Public Health Act 1997 for councils to provide an approved immunisation service in their municipal area. Huon Valley Council has historically managed the School Based Immunisation Program providing vaccinations in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Guidelines, to school aged children attending both primary and high schools within the municipal area. Due to changes to the School Based Immunisation Program by the DHHS, from 2013 Council will only be providing vaccinations to the three high schools. Target coverage of 95% is considered necessary to control outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. Herd immunity also decreases the risk of contraction of disease for the immuno-compromised and other members of the population who cannot be vaccinated. The Council also makes seasonal flu vaccination available to employees. In keeping to Huon Valley Council’s commitments to respond to health risk factors and maximise the health and wellbeing of the community, is appropriate that an effective immunisation program be in place. Priority High Goal Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: 4.4 “To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors”. Additionally: To provide a safe and comprehensive immunisation service that is fully documented for all school students in the municipal area. Strategic and Operational Links Environmental and public health component of Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Public Health Act 1997 Practices conducted in accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook, produced by the

NHMRC Activities All immunisations will be carried out by qualified immunisation nurses and/or Council’s Medical Officer of Health (or other General Practitioner delegated to replace) under the supervision of an authorised EHO or appropriate person delegated by the EHO.

EHO to liaise with Communicable Disease Prevention Unit staff at DHHS as required Provide a school based immunisation service to eligible schools in the municipal area, as directed

by the DHHS Maintain a database of all immunisations according to the Public Health Act 1997 using Vacciwise

software database Conduct immunisation sessions in accordance with the NHMRC guidelines All relevant immunisation data to be provided to the DHHS and The National Human

Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Program Register EHO to ensure that the vaccines are stored and transported according to the NHMRC ‘cold chain’

requirements

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New Initiatives Purchase and use of Vacciwise immunisation database to record and manage vaccination

programs. Performance Indicators

Number of vaccines provided for eligible students Feedback from schools and parents on Councils School Based Immunisation Program

Funding Sources

Allocated budget for immunisation costs including staff resources including Medical Officer of Health and nurse immuniser and equipment including sharps containers, needled and vaccines

DHHS subsidise vaccines offered in accordance with the National Immunisation Program – Tasmania schedule. As at 1 March 2013 the vaccine subsidy was $8.50/dose provided.

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PROGRAM 1.3.3 NOTIFIABLE DISEASE CONTROL AND INVESTIGATION Background The Public Health Act 1997 places a duty on doctors and laboratories to forward any relevant data on cases of notifiable diseases to the Communicable Diseases Prevention Unit (CDPU) at the DHHS. This information is crucial for enabling adequate disease surveillance and where possible disease prevention through appropriate public health actions in the community. Council has a statutory obligation under the Public Health Act 1997 to investigate incidents of notifiable diseases on behalf of the CDPU that are listed within the Guidelines for Notification of Notifiable Diseases, Human Pathogenic Organisms and Contaminants, which relate mainly to food-borne diseases and involves interviewing the patient (or patient’s guardian) and are important in obtaining the necessary details to study trends in relation to food-borne illness in the community. Priority Medium/High Goals Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: 4.4 “To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors”. Additionally: When notified by CDPU, obtain relevant and accurate information from notifiable disease cases and provide information back to CDPU promptly. Strategic and Operational Links Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan. Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Public Health Act 1997 Guidelines for Notification of Notifiable Diseases, Human Pathogenic Organisms and

Contaminants, issued by the Director of Public Health 2010 Activities

When notified by the CDPU perform interview with person and report back to CDPU promptly Follow up with food or water sample if deemed appropriate Provide affected people and the community generally, with appropriate information on the cause

and control measures of infectious diseases Liaise between patients/doctors/DHHS when necessary or required Provide media releases when deemed appropriate throughout the year to educate the community

about prevention and/or control of infectious diseases Performance Indicators

Officer response time between receiving notifiable disease notification to following up with case, conducting interview and providing completed questionnaire by appropriate means to CDPU

Feedback from CDPU and DHHS Amount of notifiable disease interviews conducted each year in comparison to previous years and

what they are attributed to (i.e. implication to food premises or water body) Funding No specific allocated budget. To be undertaken as part of general EHO duties.

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PROGRAM 1.3.4 REGULATED SYSTEMS Background In accordance with the Public Health Act 1997 and by public notice issued by the Director of Public Health, cooling towers and warm-water systems (referred to as registered systems) are required to be registered by Council. The purpose of the registration is to improve the operation and maintenance of these systems, to minimise the opportunities for the spread of Legionella and to assist in tracing possible environmental sources of Legionella infections.

The systems most prevalent and of relevance within the Huon Valley municipal area are cooling towers that are typically used in fruit cool stores and fish processing facilities where large cool rooms are provided.

Priority Medium Goals Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: 4.4 “To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors”. Additionally: To ensure that all businesses using a registered system in the municipal area are aware of their responsibilities under the Public Health Act 1997 and relevant standards for the operation and maintenance of the system. Ensure that each business that operates a regulated system is registered with Council and complies with any Council directions. Strategic and Operational Links Environmental and public health component of Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Public Health Act 1997 Guidelines for the Control of Legionella in Regulated Systems Councils Enforcement Policy

Activities

Comply with the Guidelines for the Control of Legionella in Regulated Systems Once in receipt of application from business, issue annual registration. Registrations issued and

valid for 1 April until 31 March the following year. Renewals sent out first week of March each year Keep and maintain a register of all known and registered systems in Pathway In accordance with the Guidelines for the Control of Legionella in Regulated Systems, provide

annual report to the Director containing information of each registered system Performance Indicators Compliance with submitted annual reports to DHHS. Funding Income budget for registered systems

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PROGRAM 1.4 PLACES OF ASSEMBLY Background In accordance with the Public Health Act 1997, Council has a responsibility to regulate all premises, events or facilities that are defined as a place of assembly in accordance with the Guidelines for Places of Assembly, issued by the Director of Public Health. The Public Health Act 1997 defines a Place of Assembly (POA) as:

Any place or area used for the entertainment of members of the public; Any place or area used for the assembly of members of the public for social and recreational

purposes; Any school or other place or area used for community or public purposes.

Council must consider whether a particular place of assembly will pose a risk to public health and must therefore ensure that the particular POA is managed and maintained in such a way to ensure that the place is safe for the public to use and allow for the general maintenance of peace and good order. As of January 2013, there were 27 Council owned facilities licenced as POA and 8 privately owned POA’s. Additionally, Council issues POA licences for specific events that run over the duration of one or several days. These include such events as the Taste of the Huon, Cygnet Folk Festival, Huon Show and the Focus of Franklin. Priority Medium-High Goals Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: 1.3 “The Valley’s natural landscape is complimented with buildings that meet statutory requirements, Council policies and community expectations”. Additionally: That all premises, facility or events classified as place of assembly comply with the Guidelines for Places of Assembly to ensure that all health and safety aspects are considered for the public. Strategic and Operational Links Environmental Health Unit component of Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan states: ”Ensure Council’s buildings are maintained in a sustainable manner and comply with all relevant legislation.” Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Public Health Act 1997 Guidelines for Places of Assembly issued by the Director of Public Health Councils Enforcement Policy

Activities

Annual Licencing of premises and licencing for specific events Annual renewal applications for licences sent out first week of September each year and

registrations and licences valid from 1 October each year until 30 September the following year Maintain place of assembly licence details in Pathway, and back-up spreadsheet in EHO public

health folder, to ensure current Annual inspections of each licenced premises Work with Council’s Development Services Unit to determine if temporary occupancy certificates

are required for specific events Liaison with relevant Coordinators in the Community Services Department to ensure all place of

assembly works required for Council owned facilities are appropriately communicated and documented

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Performance Indicators

Outcomes from internal and MAV Insurance Liability Audit audit Number of complaints received in relation to place of assembly venues Compliance with annual renewal inspections and specific events that Council EHO’s regularly

regulate Funding Income from licence fees

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PROGRAM 1.5 PUBLIC HEALTH NUISANCE INVESTIGATIONS Background For the community to live and enjoy a quality of life free from nuisances and public health hazards that pose a threat to human health and safety, appropriate regulation and action is to be undertaken by Council to help achieve this. Common public health nuisances can include (but are not limited to):

Noise (music and radios, any construction activity, large scale events, chainsaws, motorbikes ridden for recreation)

Vibration (pool pumps, construction equipment, blasting activities) Odour (burning off, offensive exhaust emissions, odour from commercial activities) Dust and particulates (land clearing, wood heater smoke, burning of material, heating appliances) Visual pollution (unsightly rubbish piles) Light pollution (excess stage lighting, security lighting) Waste (litter, illegal dumping) Liquid wastes (wash down water, wastewaters from commercial activities, failing septic systems,

storm water including sand being washed or running off site) Pests (activities with the potential to attract, harbour or breed rodents, mosquitoes and flies)

Some low impact exposure to nuisances may be tolerable, but they can cause stress and discomfort that adversely affects the health and quality of life of residents and neighbourhoods. In some cases it may be a civil matter where Council would not be involved. However where Council believes a public health nuisance exists, appropriate communications or regulatory enforcement would be applied. Council’s EH unit is also committed to using educational tools to promote healthy, safe and enjoyable environments. Priority Medium Goals Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: 4.4 “To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors”. Strategic and Operational Links Environmental and public health component of Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Public Health Act 1997 Local Government Act 1993 Councils Enforcement Policy

Activities

Investigations into reports of unhealthy housing or unhealthy public accommodation Where appropriate, issuing of closure orders or rectification notices under the Public Health Act

1997 Issuing of abatement notices under the Local Government Act 1993 for activities that present a

public health nuisance Media releases promoting healthy environments including measures to control mould

Performance Indicators

Internal audit outcomes of complaint taking procedures Number of complaints received relating to various above mentioned types of nuisances

Funding

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No specific allocated budget. To be undertaken as part of general EHO duties.

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PROGRAM 2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

PROGRAM 2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Background Environmental issues, otherwise known as environmental nuisances, can cause undesirable stress to persons and unreasonably interfere with a person’s enjoyment of the environment. In Tasmania, the overarching legislation for environmental issues is the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA). Council is committed to ensuring that events that cause, or are likely to cause pollution are appropriately regulated to reduce the incidence of environmental nuisances for persons and harm to the environment. However, not all environmental activities are regulated by Council and in some cases, depending on the activity, for example primary industry, it is regulated by the State Government. Examples of pollutants that may cause an environmental nuisance that Council would respond to under the EMPCA include:

Noise (chainsaws, motorbikes used for recreation, music, power tools, etc) Odour (rubbish, smoke, fumes) Vibrations and low frequency noise (heat pumps, earth moving equipment) Gas, liquid or solid (fumes from spray painting, septic tank effluent seeping from one property to

another adjoining property) Council receives a diverse range of complaints regarding environmental nuisances in the community and a demanding role for the EHO involves responding to these and attempting to achieve resolution of the problem to the satisfaction of the complainant. Goal Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: 4.4 “To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors” and 1.5 “Create and maintain sustainable environments that enable sustainable human development, enhance human health and well being and ensure environmental protection”.

Additionally: Providing a service that responds to complaints promptly and efficiently with the aim of resolving any nuisances quickly and effectively.

Strategic and Operational Links Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan Priority Medium - High Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 and all relevant guidelines Local Government Act 1993 Litter Act 2007 Councils Enforcement Policy

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Activities

Receive and respond as quickly as possible to nuisance complaints Conduct investigations as required Monitor and regulate Level 1 Activities in the municipal area Where necessary, issue standard letters, infringement notices, Environment Protection Notices

(EPN’s) and abatement notices Monitor businesses or activities within the municipal area that have EPN’s served on them Work with Council’s Waste Management Coordinator to monitor and ensure EPN’s on Councils

waste management facilities are compliant with relevant conditions Performance Indicators

Workload – Number of complaints Response time to complaints (as measured against a target time of 14 days) Measure effectiveness by number of recurring complaints Number of letters, infringement and other notices issued

Funding Service of EPN’s and infringement notices

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PROGRAM 2.2 BUILT ENVIRONMENT Background The term ‘built environment’ refers to the human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity. Within the field of environmental health, built environments are referred to as building or renovating areas in an effort to improve the community’s well-being through construction of aesthetically, health improved, and environmentally improved landscapes and living structures. Examples of the built environment that can affect our health include:

Air pollution Noise pollution Contaminated land Waste management Stormwater pollution Nuisances including odour Failing or illegal on-site waste water management systems

Inadequate management of the above can contribute to a wide range of health effects such as headaches, stress, respiratory problems and communicable diseases. It is therefore important that environmental health input is included in the assessment of planning and building applications and the appropriate assessment is undertaken for special plumbing permit applications. Priority Medium-High Goals Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: 1.3 “The Valley’s natural landscape is complimented with buildings that meet statutory requirements, Council policies and community expectations”. Strategic and Operational Links Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan states: “Implement building assessment approval and compliance procedures that achieve effective and efficient building control”; and “Ensure Council’s buildings are maintained in a sustainable manner and comply with all relevant legislation” Relevant Legal and Policy considerations

Environmental Management & Pollution Control Act 1994 Building Act 2000 Building Regulations 2004 Plumbing Regulations 2004 Councils Enforcement Policy

Activities

Close liaison with Development Services Unit staff to ensure that referrals are made for conditioning, advice or comment through Council’s Pathway system, on planning or building applications/permits

Maintain the environmental health conditions that can be applied to Planning Permits and are available to the Planning Officers

Maintain SPP information in Pathway, and back-up spreadsheet in EHO folder, to ensure current and contains all relevant information relating to permits for various systems including AWTSs

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Senior EHO and EHO to divide up all special plumbing permit applications and assess and produce special plumbing permits accordingly

Audit AWTS and Biolytix service reports and follow up with property owner where appropriate Assessments for new food premises deemed by the Building Surveyor to require Form 49

(Environmental Health Officer Report) Media releases involving environmental education to local communities and businesses on

managing their environmental impacts and advising in what circumstances permits are required for various activities

Annual media releases providing awareness on the appropriate management of on-site waste water management systems

Senior EHO, as delegated by the General Manager, to sign all special plumbing permits New initiatives

With changes to the Building Act 2000 and Plumbing Regulations 2004 in November 2012, it is now a requirement that Council must inspect a minimum 20% of plumbing works related to permits. Consequently, the EHO unit has committed to meeting and documenting this through procedures set up in the pathway system. Any works inspected that are related to approved special plumbing permits are to be acknowledged in Pathway and on the on-site wastewater management system spreadsheet

Mapping and consideration of areas within the municipal area vulnerable to climate change and sea level rise

Performance Indicators

Commitment to assessing and providing comment and appropriate environmental health conditions for development applications and building applications within statutory timeframes

Production and appropriate conditioning of all special plumbing permits lodged with Council within statutory timeframe

Outcomes from internal and MAV Insurance Liability Audit audit Funding

Fees related to special plumbing permits, Infringement notices served for breaches of the Building Act 2000 and the Plumbing Regulations

2004. Fees relating to Form 42 assessments, production of Form 49’s and Form 50’s for food premises.

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PROGRAM 3 HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROMOTION Background It is important that the community is presented with current, accurate and clear authoritative information relating to environmental and public health subjects. This proactive approach ensures that the community is informed and aware of current regulations, best practice and ways to minimise their environmental impact or improve public health practices. Whilst there is no current legislative requirement for local government to deliver health education and promotion, it is seen by the EH unit and acknowledged by Council as a key tool to keep the community informed and help create and maintaining safe and healthy environments in which to live. It also demonstrates the changing role of the EHO and the need to apply an educational approach as well as regulation. Councils EHOs have been closely involved with health promotion, particularly food safety and food hygiene with local schools in recent years. With the current emphasis on food safety, there are increasing requests from schools and childcare businesses to offer education and promote good practices within the community. Priority Low to medium However if state legislation changes within the next 5 years and requires all employees working in the food industry to hold a relevant training certificate, then it may require Council to dedicate more resources for in house training. Therefore if it does become a legislative requirement and the expectation from the community increases, health promotion may become a higher priority in the future. Goal Stated in Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan: 4.7 “To ensure compliance with Council’s regulatory requirements through education and enforcement”; and 4.4 “To protect the community and improve human health through the effective management of environmental factors” Strategic and Operational Links Council’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan states further to 4.4: “Develop and implement new standards and/or guidance documents dealing with environmental health.” Relevant Legal and Policy considerations Food Safety Standards – Skills and Knowledge Activities

Provide educational material, information leaflets and training/seminars on health related topics Develop a closer working relationship with agencies associated with healthcare within the

municipal area, including the schools, so that a holistic approach to the health of the community is developed

Communicate regularly with proprietors of food businesses to keep them informed of developments in technology and legislation

Use local events as opportunities for health education and promotion displays Deliver information/education sessions and talk to schools and community groups as requested To encourage and support the promotion of healthy eating and living, through the promotion of the

‘Eat Well’ initiative Provide food handler training sessions for food handlers or community groups Promote the online “I’M ALERT Food Safety Training” tool to food businesses, their operators and

the community

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New Initiatives

Utilising Council’s website to promote and offer “I’M ALERT Food Safety Training” and other health promotion opportunities

Working with the Environment Protection Authority during the winter of 2013 on the Burn Brighter project focussing on reducing wood smoke emissions within the municipal area

Performance Indicators

Number of talks given to schools and community groups Feedback from the community on promotions conducted Number of environmental or public health nuisance complaints received by Council after specific

promotions and determining if this is proving to be beneficial or possibly a constraint on current resources

Funding Income through food handler training sessions conducted for businesses.

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PROGRAM 4 MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES In addition to the programs outlined in this Environmental Health Plan, there are a variety of miscellaneous activities that the environmental health unit undertake as part of their duties or obligations. These include the following:

Private burials in accordance with Section 41 of the Burial and Cremation Act 2002. When requested to by a municipal Inspector, conduct inspections of caravans and offer advice

pertaining to the appropriate management of wastewater from the caravan that will be used as a condition on the caravan permit issued under Council’s Caravan By-Law 2005.

Environmental health unit to be involved with Council’s emergency management and community recovery plans and procedures and attendance by either Senior EHO or EHO on Council’s emergency management committee.

Involvement with review of any Council policy that is related to the environmental health program. Provide sharps containers to members of the public and to commercial business that bring in

containers for disposal and/or exchange. Fees are set and applicable for commercial businesses. This service is not promoted by Council but offered nonetheless.