Environmental Health

The Environmental Health Program plays a key role in the provision of a range of public and environmental health services to the community, covering a range of issues from pollution to development proposals.

The Public Health Act 1997 was proclaimed in February 1998. This legislation replaces many sections of the Public Health Act 1962 and provides for new requirements. Features of the Act include a tough anti tobacco approach and greater provisions relating to immunisation. The role Council plays in Public Health matters has increased under the Act, especially in relation to registration of premises, water supplies and immunisation.

Council is proactive in its endeavours to promote and conduct immunisation clinics, in conjunction with local medical service providers.

The Council is also responsible for inspecting food premises throughout the area protects that public health. An appropriate level of food hygiene is to be maintained, with instances of breaches in public health safeguards being strictly policed. The Council also follows up notifiable disease reports and undertakes food shop surveillance and registrations.

Aims for 2009-2010

• To protect and enhance the public health and safety of the community by means of environmental monitoring and regulation;
• To comply with the requirements of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 and provide an efficient system for implementation and monitoring of compliance;
• To increase public awareness and participation in public health initiatives, especially the immunisation program;
• To implement the requirements of the Public Health Act 1997;
• Inspection of all food premises at least twice during the year;
• Continuation of the Food Safe Program for food handlers in the municipality;
• Regular sampling of water for monitoring of levels of bacteria to ensure maintenance of public safety;
• Investigation of incidences of environmental pollution and appropriate follow-up action to ensure remedial work is carried out and ensure future compliance.

The National Childhood Immunisation schedule changes from time to time depending on the diseases prevalent and the vaccines available. Childhood immunisation on the West Coast is administered through the GP clinics in each town in accordance with the following schedule for children in Tasmania as current at 2009:

• 2 & 4 months: Diptheria,Tetanus,Pertussis, Haemophilus influenza type B, Hepatitis B, Poliomyelitis, Pneumococcal. Rotavirus.
• 6 months: Diptheria,Tetanus,Pertussis, Haemophilus influenza type B, Hepatitis B, Poliomyelitis, Pneumococcal.
• 12 months: Haemophilus influenza type B, Measles,Mumps,Rubella, Meningococcal.
• 18 months: Varicella.
• 4 Years: Measles,Mumps,Rubella, Diptheria,Tetanus Pertussis, Poliomyelitis.

West Coast Council provides Hepatitis B and Human Papilloma Virus immunisation courses for Grade 7 students at both Mountain Heights School and Rosebery District High School. Information and consent forms are mailed to parents/guardians prior to arranging sessions.

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children against certain diseases. The risks of these diseases are far greater than the very small risks of immunisation.

Make sure your child is protected - Be Wise Immunise