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Alexandrina Council Public and Environmental Health Management Plan 2006-20099 1

Alexandrina Council Public and Environmental Health Management Plan

INTRODUCTION

The overall aim of a Public and Environmental Health Management Plan is to identify priorities and outline long term goals in relation to public and environmental health. The plan is to encourage best practice in environmental health service delivery to the community while reducing any duplication by stating reference and liaison groups for each identified priority. The mission statement is indicative of the need for the development of the plan by the Alexandrina Council; to raise the profile of public and environmental health whilst striving for continued improvement within the field. The plan has a three-tier strategy format, being;

Healthy lifestyles: “Maintaining” health standards in the community

Healthy environments:

“Responding” to environmental health hazards

Continuous improvement: “Anticipating” the future

Alexandrina Council’s Public and Environmental Health Management Plan has been developed in-house, through a public consultation process, to meet the needs of the Council and Environmental Health Unit. The plan will be integrated to align with the Corporate Plan and other relevant Council plans and policies in order to become another effective tool used in Council decision making process for new and on-going activities.



GOAL #1: Healthy Lifestyles To develop and implement health programmes that will maintain and enhance the quality of life for the Alexandrina community. Key Issues: All members of the community are entitled to live in a safe and healthy environment, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity or socio-economic status. Environmental health should provide population based approaches aimed at increasing the positive health outcomes all people can derive from their environment. Alexandrina Council must ensure that no person or group of people should shoulder a disproportionate share of any negative environmental health impacts resulting from the implementation of any of its policies and programmes.


NO. 1.1: FOOD SAFETY & SURVEILLANCE

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Food safety and hygiene

Ensure the observance of the appropriate standards of hygiene in relation to the sale, manufacture, distribution, storage and handling of food that is intended for sale.

Use AFSA to assess and improve food premises and food handling.

EHO Current and on-going

AIEH AFSA folder and explanatory notes.

Core Business -Statutory.

Encourage healthy eating in the community.

Develop an information kit for the encouragement of eating healthy and nutritious food.

EHO

Current and On-going

DH

Core Business -Identified Priority.

Maintain register of all known food premises

EHO

Current and ongoing

Core Business -Identified priority.


FOOD SAFETY & SURVEILLANCE Food Safety and Hygiene

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Investigate all reported food complaints and food poisoning incidents and keep register.

EHO

Current and ongoing

DH CDC


Ensure that all food premises

are well informed in relation to food safety and hygiene

Develop newsletter Food Safety News to be distributed to all food premises

EHO Publish Issues as required


Run food safety related

information sessions EHO All

communities by end 2007

DH – material Core Business -Identified priority.

Provide adequate and timely advice to food premises and community

EHO

Current and on-going

DH AIEH

Core Business -Non-statutory.


FOOD SAFETY & SURVEILLANCE

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Ensure food subject to recall is not available to public

Alert retail proprietors to remove food from sale. Follow up inspections if required.

EHO 24 Hours from receipt of recall

DH FSANZ Strategic Working Policy (See Appendix)


Develop and conduct local food sampling programmes in conjunction with DH.

Samples collected from retail food premises for micro, chemical or food standard role analysis.

EHO Periodic -ongoing Responses to complainants

DH Analyst - IMVS



NO. 1.2: Swimming Pools & Spa Pools

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Swimming pools and spa pools

To ensure the safety of public swimming pools and spa pools in regard to water disinfection and general maintenance.

Monitor public swimming and spa pools to ensure that legislative standards are met.

EHO Pools- Nov. to April. Spa’s on-going

P&EH Act and Regulations SAHC code EPA guidelines


Maintain database on

pool and spa water quality.

EHO Current and on-going.

SAHC Code EPA Guidelines


Risk assess physical

audits against appropriate standards.




Assess all D.A’s that involve the construction of public swimming pools and spa’s.

Building Planning EHO

As required. SAHC Code EPA Guidelines

Non-core -Identified priority.

Provide technical advice to public pool owners and operators

EHO

Current and on-going.




NO. 1.2: Swimming Pools & Spa Pools

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Promote uptake of Accredited Pool Plant Operator Training

EHO Current and On-going

EHO Core Business -Identified priority.

Ensure sufficient staff training on pool plant operation and maintenance by attending training courses.


EHO Core Business -Identified priority.


NO. 1.3: Legionella

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Legionella To minimise the potential for airborne transmission of Legionnaires Disease.

Advise property managers on their responsibilities to maintain health and safety requirements.


P&EH Act and Regulations. AS/NZS 3666.1.1995 3666.2.1895


Maintain a register of

cooling towers and warm water systems.

EHO Planning.


DH Core Business -Non-statutory.

Inspect cooling towers and

warm water systems annually or as required.

EHO Annually. DH Core Business -Non-statutory.

Assess all D/A’s that

involve the installation of cooling towers or warm water systems.

Building Planning EHO.

As required. Non-core -Identified priority.

Maintain a comprehensive

reporting system for cooling tower maintenance details.

EHO Annually. Non-core -Identified priority.


NO. 1.4: Supported Residential Facilities

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Supported Residential Facilities.

The maintenance of an appropriate level of assisted care and living standards for residents of SRF in the area in accordance with the Supported Residential Facilities Act.

Assessment of facilities and total care program to determine standard of care.

EHO. Annual report to DH. Licensed premises inspected six monthly.

SRF Act and Regulations.


Facilitate a coordinated

approach to monitoring and licensing.

EHO. Current and on-going.

SRF Local Government Working Group


Investigation of complaints.

EHO. Immediate response.

SRF Act and Regulations.


Licensing and dispute

resolution. EHO. Council

As required. SRF Act and Regulations.



Supported Residential Facilities

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Ensure EHOs receive on-going professional training to enable effective monitoring and licensing.

EHO Council.


SRF Local Government Working Group

Core-Business -Identified priority.

Provide SRF’s with adequate nutritional information to assist in dietary needs of residents


Regulation 16 under the SRF Act 1992.


Community Housing

To identify community groups in need of subsidised housing (aged, disabled and general)

Continue to assist and contribute to the development of community housing in Alexandrina Council.

ACPA


SACHA Non-core -Identified priority.


NO. 1.5: Pest and Vector Control

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Mosquitoes To minimise the potential for disease transmission and the nuisance factor.

Monitor prevalent mosquito species and distribution, via regular trapping stations.

EHO Council contractor Local residents.

September to April (dependant on season)

DH


To control mosquito breeding

in the Council area. Maintain chemical treatment program of identified breeding sites. Identify new or reported potential breeding sites. Encourage active participation from community for mosquito control

EHO Council contractor. EHO EHO

September to April (dependant on season) Current and on-going. Current and On-going

DH Core Business -Statutory. Core Business -Identified priority. Non-Core -Identified Priority


Pest and Vector Control.

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Local media promotion Maintain mapping information to identify breeding sites.

EHO EHO Council contractor.

Consistently during mosquito season Current and on-going.

Local Media Local residents.

Core Business -Non-statutory. Core Business -Non-statutory.

Identified priority for training of EHO’s in mosquito control, monitoring and identification.

EHO to attend ‘Mosquito identification and control’ training course.

EHO Council.

One EHO next three years

DH Arbovirus task force.

Core-Business -Identifying Priority

European Wasp

Effective control of European wasps.

Participate in the LGA European Wasp Control Program. Identification and free eradication of nests.

EHO EHO

Current and ongoing. Current and on-going.

LGA SA Dept Primary Industry. Council contractor

Core Business -Identified priority. Core Business. -Statutory.


Pest and Vector Control.

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Community Education and promotion regarding prevention and harm reduction strategies using fact sheets and information on Council website.

EHO First Council Newsletter. December - March

Council contractor DH. Strategic working policy (Appendix)


Provide tracking sheets and fact sheets to public.

EHO December - March

Community residents.


Maintain a mapping system to identify problem areas.

EHO December - March

LGA

Part Subsidy

Integrated pest/vector control.

Limit and control the level of pest and vermin activity in the community.

Give advice and respond to complaints as appropriate.

EHO CO

Current and ongoing.

DH Non-core -Non-statutory.


NO. 1.6: Hairdressing

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Hairdressing To assist proprietors to adhere to guidelines and principals for the protection of themselves and the community.

General Hygiene: Conduct inspections of hairdressers and skin penetration premises and ensure compliance to relevant standards.

EHO Annually. DH Standards - Codes of Practice.


Educate staff in

hairdressers and skin penetration premises on safe and hygienic practices.

EHO Bi-annually. DH Standards - Codes of Practice.

Core Business -Identified Priority


NO. 1.7: Communicable Diseases

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Communicable diseases.

To minimise the incidence and prevalence of infectious diseases.

Immunisation Three immunisation nurses are employed by council for immunisation clinics, including school programs.

EHO Admin Assistant


NHMRC The Aust. Immunisation Handbook 7th Edition. CDCB of DH


Continue to maintain up

to date electronic records of all vaccinations.



Establish a new

employee induction process to identify at risk staff and immunise accordingly

EHO By 2007 Core Business -Non-statutory.

Provide administration

support to immunisation providers and maintain up to date records using ImPS program.

EHO Admin Assistant


NHMRC ImPS.



Communicable Disease

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Facilitate school, workplace and emergency services immunisation programs.

EHO Admin Assistant

As required. NHMRC CDCB section of DH


Promote and advertise

the Councils immunisation service

EHO’s Admin Assistant


Local Media. Core Business -Non-statutory.

Undertake and facilitate specific immunisation programs as directed by DH or NHMRC.

EHO Admin Assistant.

As required. DH NHMRC



Communicable Disease

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Disease Prevention

Decrease potential public health risk from needle stick injuries.

Provide collection and disposal means for sharps containers.

EHO Eng.and Inf. Services


EPA DH


Provide adequate and timely advice to residents on communicable diseases and their prevention.


DH material AIEH NHMRC


Headlice Provide information and advice to various organisations and individuals

Give advice and respond to complaints as appropriate.

EHO As required. CDCB section of DH.


Disseminate DH information to schools, child care and the public

EHO As required Core Business -Identified Priority



GOAL #2: Healthy Environments To enhance and conserve the natural and built environment in a manner which sustains the health and well being of the community. Key Issues: There is a growing understanding that good health and well being are linked with the state of the environment. The community needs protection from hazards in the environment. Society has a growing appreciation of the interaction between lifestyles, consumer demands and urban development and the state of the environment. Additionally, there is increased recognition that environmental degradation and overload may lead to new hazards and diseases. As well as minimising health hazards, good management of the environment can make a strong contribution to increasing the health and well being of the community. This section of the Public and Environmental Health Management Plan pertaining to the environment is to be read and actioned in reference to the Alexandrina Council’s Local Agenda 21 plan.


NO. 2.1: Water Quality.

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Potable Water Quality

Ensure an adequate and potable water supply in towns with supply infrastructure.

Respond to residential concerns regarding the quality of the water supply.

EHO Eng. and Inf. Services


SA Water. DH

Core Business-non-statutory.

Encourage and promote management of rain water tanks.

Encourage residents to install rain water tanks.


SAHC code. Non-core -Identified priority.

Provide technical assistance on maintenance of rain water tanks.

Community education and information to new home proprietors.


SAHC code. Non-core -Identified priority.

Provide technical assistance into D/A’s where there is an identified potential to pollute.

EHO As required. Building and Planning Officers

Non-core -Identified priority

Maintain a database of

specific pollution incidents

EHO Immediate. NRO EPA DH

Elaborate on existing health databases.


NO. 2.1: Water Quality.

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Liaise with and assist appropriate groups involved in stormwater management.

Building Officers EHO


EPA Core Business -Identified priority.

Blue Green Algae

Take appropriate action when incidence reports indicate contaminant at significant levels.

Appropriately warn public of associated dangers.

EHO September to May or as required

SA Water Core Business -Identified priority.

Effective notification of

relevant community groups.

EHO September to May or as required

Strategic Working Policy (Appendix)

Non-core -Non-statutory.

Community education in

relation to cause and effects.

EHO


SA Water DH



NO. 2.2: Waste Management

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Liquid waste

To ensure all septic tanks within the Council area are installed and function in accordance with the relevant Standards and Guidelines.

Assess all new waste control system applications and maintain data in GIS


DH Standards for waste control systems


Sustain and develop staff aptitude in plumbing and waste control system requirements by training and actively maintaining current information


DH Core Business -Identified Priority


Waste Management

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Solid waste Manage domestic waste in a manner that minimises environmental impact and promotes the health and well being of the community.

Promote correct management for home and composting and recycling.

EHO NRO Eng. and Inf. Services


EPA DWLBC

Non-core -Non-statutory.

Hazardous waste

Minimise indiscriminate disposal of sharps.

Provide sharp disposal containers in appropriate public places.



EPA Core Business -Statutory

Accept over the counter

and appropriately dispose of sharp containers.

EHO Admin. staff


EPA DH


Collection and disposal

of sharp containers from chemists, nursing homes, hairdressers, etc.

EHO


EPA Core Business -Identified Priority


Waste Management

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Maintain safe disposal of expired pharmaceuticals.

Collection from local chemist.


EPA Non-core -Identified priority.

Maintain safe disposal of medical waste

Collect from medical centres



Minimise unwanted hazardous chemicals in the community

Support household chemical disposal day.


2006-2009 EPA

New budget item Budget requirements to be determined.

Commercial waste

Encourage commercial premises and industry to minimise and recycle waste.

Encourage use of local recycling depots through liaison and education of stakeholders.

EHO NRO Eng. and Inf. Services

Current and on-going

EPA

Non-core -Non-statutory

Actively participate in the

AgSafe Drum-Muster program for the collection and recycling of empty farm chemical containers.

Appropriately advertise and organise collection days at Strathalbyn


Annually EPA PIRSA Drum-Muster



Waste Management

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

All waste React to complaints involving waste management issues, prioritise those affiliated with potential health impacts.

Record number of complaints received. Response within 24 hours.

EHO Maximum 24 Hours after complaint received.



NO. 2.3: Noise Pollution

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Noise Pollution

Industrial noise levels to be maintained within the EPA Guidelines

Liaise with EPA to ensure compliance with legislation and standards.


EPA Non-core -Non-statutory.

Domestic noise levels to be

maintained within the EPA Guidelines

Liaise with EPA and refer to police where necessary


EPA SA Police.

Non-Core -Identified priority.


NO. 2.4: Insanitary Conditions

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Insanitary conditions

Alleviate, and remove as appropriate, the impact of insanitary conditions on the environment and the community.

Rapid response to investigate complaints received. Coordinate other services as required to facilitate in the resolution of the condition. Conduct field work to include investigation, sampling and analysis, as required, to resolve the condition. Provide technical assistance to persons causing the condition. Enforce legislative powers to alleviate the insanitary condition.

EHO Building Planning Tech. Services

As required. DH EPA SAHT officers PIRSA DWLBC SA Water All external health related agencies. Community groups.



NO. 2.5: Contaminated Land

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Contaminated land.

Reduce the level of risk to the community and the environment from contaminated land sites.

Identify and register all land sites known by Council to be potentially contaminated.

EHO Planning


EPA and associated Codes of practice. DH


Link contaminated land

information to Councils GIS system for Development Applications.

EHO Planning




Provide access to

information collated on contaminated land sites.




Educate and inform the

community and industry of activities that contribute to land contamination.


EHO EPA


NO. 2.6: Air Quality

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Air Quality Contribute to global/national air quality objectives.

Encourage energy efficient practices in new developments

EHO. Building



Provide information on

energy efficient strategiesEHO Building


EPA


NO. 2.7: Environmental Management

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Environmental Management

Coordination and integration of environmental management issues

Provide technical assistance into the diverse range of environmental management issues affecting the Alexandrina Council.

EHO NRO


EPA DH PIRSA


Develop an integrated

approach for dealing with environmental issues.

EHO NRO

Immediate. Non-core -Non-statutory.


NO. 2.8: Recreational land/reserves

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Recreational land reserves.

Provide technical assistance into environmental, health and safety requirements for reserves and public amenities.

Provide technical advice and input where required.

EHO Eng. and Inf. Services.

As required. Non-core -Non-statutory.



GOAL #3: Continuous Improvement / Best Practice To provide the best possible public and environmental health service through better management practices that support the goals of healthy lifestyles and healthy environments. Key Issues: The aim of environmental health service delivery must be to improve environmental health outcomes by building on existing procedures and adopting innovative approaches. The Environmental Health Officers, as with all Council staff, place a high emphasis on customer service and incorporate all facets of the newly developed ‘Customer Service Protocols’. High quality service delivery should be a cooperative relationship that is underpinned by good communication, freely accessible information and a true partnership approach. Better management practices outlined in the Public and Environmental Management Plan will involve integration with the Corporate Planning processes of the Alexandrina Council and also seek to identify emerging issues and develop appropriate strategies to address those issues.


NO. 3.1: Continuous Improvement

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Integrated approach

For the PEHMP to become an integral part of the Alexandrina Council decision making process for new and on-going activities.

Integrate PEHMP into alignment with Corporate Plan.

EHO Council.

Immediate once adopted in completed state.


PEHMP is to be reviewed

annually. Ensure that Council Management and Elected Members have the opportunity to provide input.

EHO Council.

Annually from adoption date.


Customer service

Identify and prioritise issues to enhance customer service.

Adopt all facets of ‘Customer Service Protocols’.

EHO CSO

May 2001 and on-going.


Human resource policies

Facilitate an appropriate workplace environment via human resource management.

Incorporate principles of human resource policies.

EHO Council.




Continuous Improvement

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Forward planning

Research and identify potential public health and environmental health issues that may have impacts on the Alexandrina Council.

Develop and maintain awareness of the community and political environment, to include: •Working together •Customer focus •Networking

EHO Council


DH Core Business -Identified priority.

Develop further

strategies to incorporate into the PEHMP.

EHO Annual review.

Annual review to be conducted internally.

Review current strategic

working policies (Appendices) and develop policies for issues identified as important.

EHO Annual review.




Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Project management

Identify programmes relevant to public health and environmental health and the community.

Implementation of programmes and development of evaluation methods to include timeframes and progress reporting.

EHO


DH AIEH Southern Region of Councils.


Emergency management

Provide technical assistance and input into the development of Alexandrina Council’s disaster planning process.

Develop emergency response plans in relation to public health needs: •Water supplies •Sewerage and sanitation •Food distribution, safety, and recalls •Infectious disease control •Vermin and vectors.

EHO By 2007 AIEH DH EPA NEPC EMA




Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Identify potential public and environmental health emergencies.

EHO Annual report to P&EH Council.

AIEH DH EPA NEPC EMA


Allow for provision of

training for all EHO in emergency management.

EHO Council.

Complete by 2007

AIEH DH EMA


Provide educational and promotional materials to the community.


AIEH DH EMA


Continued professional development

Maintain and expand professional networks and identify innovations in environmental health fields.

Provide for attendance at applicable conferences/ workshops at local/state and national level.

EHO Council


AIEH DH


Assist in the development of Environmental Health students

Provide for and facilitate work experience students

EHO Council

One placement per semester

FUSA Core Business -Identified priority.



Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Environmental health reporting

Provide detailed reports on environmental health issues as required.

Annual report to the P&EH Council on the administration of the P&EH Act 1987. Annual report to DH on the administration of the Food Act 2001. Elected member requests and reports included for Council meetings

EHO EHO EHO Council.

September annually. June annually As required

P&EH Council. DH

Core Business -Statutory. Core Business -Non-statutory. Core Business -Identified priority.

Youth and Aged Services

Encourage youth participation in government initiatives.

Provide activities and programs for youth to become involved in.

EHO YDO


Arts and Lifestyles Service


Aged Care Services and Strath home Assist

Support the elderly with transport and home assistance.

Provide appropriate transport and home service to meet the needs of the elderly

ACPA Strath Home Assist


Arts and Lifestyles Service



NO. 3.2: Health Promotion

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Health promotion.

Promote health and well being for the Alexandrina community.

Production of health promotion materials, eg. Food Safety News, stickers, magnets.


Council. Non-core. -Identified priority.

To maintain a comprehensive

range of health education and promotion material targeting local health issues.

Utilise existing material and facilitate information to community. Display in Council office foyers. Immunisation ethics – information to parents.

EHO EHO Admin. Staff EHO Admin Assistant Env. Services

Current and on-going. Current and on-going Current and on-going.

DH Anti Cancer Foundation Quit NHMRC DH

Non-Core. -Identified priority.

Provide information and timely advice on communicable disease and their prevention.

Counter enquiries. Correspondence.

EHO




Health Promotion

Item

Objectives

Strategies

Responsibilities

Timeframe

Reference/Liaison

Budget

Investigate potential opportunities for regional approach (Southern Region of Councils) to health promotion programs.

AIEH regional meetings. EHO Quarterly. AIEH Southern Region of Councils.




APPENDICES

Strategic working policies


STRATEGIC WORKING POLICY - ROSS RIVER VIRUS (RRV) & MURRAY VALLEY

ENCEPHALITIS (MVE) Action Statement: “ The Environmental Health Unit endeavours to limit mosquito breeding to a tolerable level in our environment and educate the community on issues relating to mosquitos, thus reducing the prevalence of RRV and MVE in the community” Information for all Staff: • Council currently treats some 19 mosquito breeding sites with the

insecticide, Prosand®. • Sites are located in:

Goolwa Strathalbyn Hindmarsh Island Langhorne Creek Middleton Milang Port Elliot Clayton

• Prosand® is applied by hand spraying to help prevent harm to of non-

target organisms. A residual chemical is applied to selected public amenity blocks.

• Council spraying program occurs on a monthly basis from September to

Easter, depending on weather conditions. • Adult trapping is undertaken consistently throughout the season to

identify species present and to evaluate the control program. Personal Precautions: (for outside staff & the community) • Use a reliable repellent, which contains the essential ingredient - diethyl

toluamide (DEET). • Wear protective clothing that provides cover for arms and legs.


• Use knock-down insecticides in the home. • Avoid mosquito-breeding areas, especially after sunset. Disease Symptoms: RRV Disease Symptoms • Rash. • Mild Illness. • Fatigue. MVE Disease Symptoms • Drowsiness with slow mental perception. • Confusion and or disorientation. • Irrational or uncharacteristic behaviour. Environmental Control Measures & Eliminating Breeding Sites: • Dispose of unwanted containers and rubbish. • Keep fish ponds stocked with fish and free of foliage around the edges. • Keep swimming pools full and properly maintained. • Fill-in or drain any depressions in the ground that hold water. • Screen septic and rainwater tanks. • Ensure flyscreens around the home are in sound condition. • Check that gutters don’t hold water. • Empty drip trays under pot plants every week. • Never over-irrigate. Contact Numbers: • Goolwa Medical Clinic – 8555 2404 • Strathalbyn Hospital – 8536 2333 • Department of Health – 8226 7000


-STRATEGIC WORKING POLICY- FOOD RECALLS

Action Statement: “The Environmental Health Unit endeavours to ensure food recalls, as initiated by the Department of Health or industry, are actioned expeditiously throughout the Council area”. Level of Action – Information for all Staff: • Consumer / Retail Level

- Council alerts retail proprietors via a visit, phone call or fax. - Food businesses are actively checked for presence of the recalled

product where required by the Department of Health - Council ensures that the product has been removed to an area clearly

designated for the recalled product. - Council officers note the amount of recalled product at each store.

• Wholesale Level:

- Council alerts wholesalers via a visit, phone call or fax. - Random checks are undertaken on wholesalers to ensure the product

has been removed to an area clearly designated for the recalled product.

Contact Numbers: • Department of Health – 8226 7000 • Food Standards Australia and New Zealand – 02 6271 2610 • Goolwa Police Station – 8555 2018 • Strathalbyn Police Station – 8536 2044


-STRATEGIC WORKING POLICY- EUROPEAN WASPS

Action Statement: “The Environmental Health Unit will provide the community with a reduced presence of European Wasps by means of nest identification, treatment and public education” Information for all Staff: • Council is not able to track wasps, however all sightings will be recorded

and a tracking brochure given to the person reporting a sighting. • Council will confirm the nest as being that of the European Wasp. • A pest control operator will be used to treat nests, at no charge to the

ratepayer. • Council will endeavour to have nests treated within 24 hours of

identification. • Wherever possible, the licensed pest control operator will not enter and

treat a nest on any property without contacting the owner first. Additional Information: Additional information can be obtained from tracking brochures, including treating stings and discouraging wasps from properties and outdoor events. OH&S Procedure: • If stung, seek immediate medical attention. • Report incident to Council first aid officer and your supervisor. Contact Numbers: • Goolwa Medical Centre - 8555 2404 • Strathalbyn Hospital - 8536 2333 • European Wasp Control Program – 8207 0678


Checklist for Telephonists: European wasp sightings 1. Was the insect accurately described as a wasp? – Black dots and yellow stripes / yellow legs?

YES / NO

2. If yes, has the nest been located? YES / NO

3. If yes, where is the nest located (please be specific in description):

Wall of the house: Back / front garden: In the ground: In a tree: Other:

4. Caller’s name & phone number: 5. Property Address: 6. Owners approval to treat the nest? Verbal: YES / NO Written: YES / NO 7. Will the owner be home? YES / NO If no, do they mind someone coming onto their property? YES / NO Is the nest on private property? YES / NO 8. Is there a dog on the property? YES / NO 9. Details taken by: (Council staff member)


-STRATEGIC WORKING POLICY- BLUE GREEN ALGAE (BGA)

Action Statement: “The Environmental Health Unit is committed to the development of programs that raise the awareness of key issues relating to BGA throughout the community” Information for all Staff: • Council provides the community with brochures on the BGA problem and

its causes. • Videos on BGA, current research and actions to redress algal blooms are

available. • Council funds a community water quality monitoring program. Additional Information: • Algal blooms are quite visible in water, having the appearance of algal

scum and/or discoloured water (blue / green in colour). • Although algal scum is not always harmful, it is a sensible precaution to

avoid contact with the scum and water close to it. • Farmers should prevent stock access to affected water and provide

alternative supplies. • BGA do not generally affect the suitability of waters for irrigation

purposes. Health Effects: • Contact with, or ingestion of, the toxins released by BGA can lead to:

- skin / eye irritations - fever - vomiting / diarrhoea - cramps / muscle weakness

• If contact does occur, rinse off. If symptoms develop, seek medical advice.

Contact Numbers: • Australian Water Quality Centre – 8259 0211



REFERENCES



REFERNECES

1. The National Environmental Health Strategy, enHealth, 1999 2. Public and Environmental Health Management Plans – Resource Pack

Public and Environmental Health Strategy, 1993 3. Public and Environmental health Management Plan, City of Mitcham,

1999 – 2002 4. Public and Environmental Health Management Plan, City of Marion,

June 1995 5. Public and Environmental Health Strategy, A strategic and Business

Plan, District Council of Stirling, 1997-1999 6. Environmental Health Section, Three Year Plan, Rural City of Murray

Bridge, June 1998 – June 2001 7. Environmental Health Management Plan, City of Port Adelaide

Enfield, 1999 8. Public and Environmental Health Management Plan (1st Edition), City

of Whyalla, September 1999 9. Public and Environmental Health Management Plan, The City of

Prospect, 1997 10. Municipal Health Plan, A handbook for Environmental Health

Officers, Australian Institute of Environmental Health, 1990 11. A Wealth of Health, District of Berri, 1994



DEFINITIONS



DEFINITIONS

ACPA: Alexandrina Centre for Positive Aging CDCB: Communicable Diseases Control Branch (of DH) CO: Compliance Officers CSO: Customer Service Officer D/A’s: Development Applications DH: Department of Health DWLBC: Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation EHO: Environmental Health Officers EMA: Emergency Management Australia Eng. and Inf. Services: Engineering and Infrastructure Services EP Act: Environmental Protection Act 1993 EPA: Environmental Protection Authority Food Act: Food Act 2001 and subsequent Regulations FUSA: The Flinders University of South Australia FSANZ: Food Standards Australia and New Zealand HIA: Housing Improvement Act 1940 IMVS: Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science LGA: Local Government Association NEPC: National Environmental Protection Council NH&MRC: National Health and Medical Research Council NRO: Natural Resource Officer OHSC: Occupational Health and Safety Consultant P&EH Act: Public and Environmental Health Act 1987 & Regs. P&EH Council: Public and Environmental Health Council PEHMP: Public and Environmental Health Management Plan PIRSA: Primary Industry and Resources of South Australia RN: Registered Nurses SACHA: South Australian Community Housing Association SAHC: South Australian Health Commission SAHT: South Australian Housing Trust SRF Act: Supported Residential Facilities Act 1992 and Regs. STEDS: Septic Tank Effluent Disposal Scheme YDO: Youth Development Officer



COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

A list of community groups consulted on the content on the DRAFT Public and Environmental Health Management plan.

The Plan was also available for comment on the Council website, at either Council Office or public library.



COMMUNITY CONSULTATION LIST

Strathalbyn Residents & Ratepayers Assoc Southern Fleurieu Health Service Hills Mallee Southern Region Arcadia Hostel Australia Red Cross Society (SA Division)Goolwa & Districts Branch Australian Red Cross Society (SA Division) Milang Branch Australia Red Cross Society (SA Division) Port Elliot Branch Australian Red Cross Society (SA Division) Strathalbyn Branch Community Living & Support Services Inc Dementia Respite Care Programme - South Coast Goolwa District Ratepayers & Residents Assoc Inc Goolwa Apex Club Strathalbyn Medical Centre Goolwa Medical Centre Lions Club of Goolwa Inc Strathalbyn & District Hospitals Lions Club of Victor Harbor & Port Elliot Lions Club of Strathalbyn & District Inc Middleton Medical Clinic Middleton Town & Foreshore Improvement Assoc Inc Mount Compass Community Care Group Milang Progress Association Inc Mount Compass Surgery Nursing Mothers Assoc of Australia - Southern Fleurieu Group Port Elliot Medical Clinic Port Elliot Town & Foreshore Improvement Assoc Inc Rotary Club of Goolwa Inc Rotary Club of Strathalbyn Inc Signal Point Riverine Environment Group South Coast Attention Deficit Disorder Support Group South Coast State Emergency Service South Coast Volunteer Service Souther Fleurieu Regional Early Intervention Program Strathalbyn State Emergency Service

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