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

Samples of water from private sources are acquired to determine its suitability for human consumption. Sewage effluent is regularly sampled and tested to ensure that the effluent is in accordance with Public Health Department criteria for utilisation schemes, or for its disposal to other areas.

A wide range of foods is sampled, both for chemical analysis and bacteriological examination.

Regular inspections are carried out on all food premises within the Shire. New premises are required to be designed and constructed to comply with health and building by-laws. Advice is given to food handlers on food handling techniques and how to avoid potential hazards. Continual surveillance is kept on transportation and delivery of foods, especially with regard to perishable food items.

Installation of all septic tanks and drains are subject to the approval of both the Public Health Department and the Local Authority. Before use, the installation must be inspected by the Environmental Health Officer to ensure compliance with relevant by-laws and regulations. Septic tank application forms are available at Council offices.

A comprehensive pest control program is carried out throughout the Shire, but is focused mainly on combating fly breeding at rubbish tip sites, and spraying and baiting of known or potential mosquito breeding areas. Residents can assist in the control of fly breeding by wrapping all food wastes before placing in rubbish bins and by proper storage and the use of compost. Mosquitos will breed where water is allowed to lay or be stored. Any items in the yard that can be removed or relocated so as to prevent the retention of water will assist in the prevention of mosquito breeding. Septic tanks are a prime breeding area. Mosquito proof cowls are required to be fitted to all vent pipes to prevent direct access by mosquitos to septic tanks.

	accommodation (such as caravan parks, camps, hotels, motels and boarding houses);
	public and private swimming pools;
	industrial hygiene;
	nuisances such as noise;
	offensive trades;
	lighting and ventilation of dwellings (shops, offices, etc);
	food vending services;
	public buildings; and
	hairdressing establishments.

Parents should protect their children by having them immunised against the major communicable diseases of Polio, Whooping Cough, Diphtheria and Tetanus. The immunisation program commences at eight weeks of age for infants. Parents are urged to contact their local Hospital, Community Health Nurse or Council's Environmental Health Officer for further advice. Up to the age of 15 years this service is free.

Rubbish sites can be a breeding ground for health hazards. With a little care and effort, however, a rubbish site may be maintained in such a way as to avoid health problems.

Placing refuse in the trench provided, or at least on the edge, will allow easy access for others to follow.

Tossing garbage all over the Access Road and Turning Zones inconveniences others, makes fly control more arduous and has a detrimental effect on site sanitation.

Some rubbish sites have segregated tipping areas to make use and management of the tip easier for everybody.

Please follow directory signs - they are there for your benefit.

Warmer weather and the swimming season are related. The public is reminded that the only water considered safe from amoebic meningitis organisms is clean water chlorinated to at least 1 ppm free chlorine.

All bodies of natural fresh water are to be considered suspect. Safeguard against amoebic meningitis. Protection is the only cure. Keep your head above water and prevent injection of water up nasal passages.

Council has purchased 100% Recycled Plastic Compost Bins for resale to the public at a cost of $41.

There are excellent reasons for householders to take up composting at home:

	Garden waste and food scraps make up 50% of all waste going into a land fill.
	It reduces household waste;
	Improves the soil capacity to hold water, so it saves water;
	Improves soil conditions, so it saves fertiliser; and
	Helps the recycling initiative.