2015-09-15 Infrastructure and Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                         15 SEPTEMBER 2015


3.     STAFF
         On 10 July 2015 the Environmental Health Coordinator Greg Mulder retired from
           Noosa Council. The position of Coordinator has been advertised and a suitable
           applicant appointed. He is due to commence work in mid October.
         A permanent full time environmental health officer position (to replace David Baker)
           was advertised internally on Thursday 3 September.
         In July, Pest Control Officer Richard Mylan suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle
           accident on the way to work. Mr Mylan remains on work cover and may not return for
           at least another two months. The remaining two (2) pest Control Officers are
           alternatively undertaking the additional duties to make up for Mr Mylan’s absence in
           the short term. This is not sustainable in the longer term and a replacement officer
           will be needed should Mr Mylan’s absence be extended.
         There are currently delays in processing applications for cemeteries, health licence
           applications and pest baiting programs etc. due to the administrative workload. There
           is one Administration Officer (AO) providing support for the Co-ordinator
           Environmental Health, 2.5 Environmental Health Officers, three Pest & Vector
           Officers and a Cemetery Officer. A review of administrative systems to identify
           efficiencies will be one of the first tasks for the new Coordinator.
         In the past month the reduced staffing levels have placed considerable stress on the
           section. Compounding this have been a number of staff absences in the
           Environmental Health team due to illness, family leave and annual leave which has
           impacted on the unit’s business activities. Staff are working hard to address
           outstanding matters and make up for the shortfall.

4.     SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES

       In 2014/15 the section upgraded the following systems and processes:

(i)    Cemeteries
         Improved the garden ashes burial area at Cooroy cemetery.
         Utilised contractors to undertake some maintenance functions to address identified
           workplace health and safety issues
         Further improved T1 record system with ashes and plaques applications.
         Commenced computerising existing hard copy burial and ashes records.

(ii)   Environmental Health
          Implemented recreational water monitoring program under Public Health Act to
            monitor public safety risks (River and Beach)
          New Local Law in place to control public health issues on request regarding ensuring
            safe public swimming pool water quality, improving backpacker-type accommodation
            standards and ensuring healthy rental accommodation standards
          Environmental health officers have now received accredited training in the safe
            handling of asbestos and supervision of asbestos removal in preparation for
            commencement of the provisions of the Public Health Act Regulations commencing
            September 1
          Developed a food business licence information application kit to assist food
            manufacturers
          Developed a food business licence information kit to streamline temporary event (1-4
            day) applications
          Environmental health officers attended internal training on investigation and
            enforcement techniques.




                                                                                    Page 71 of 73