2015-09-15 Infrastructure and Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                          15 SEPTEMBER 2015


(iii)   Pest and Vector
           The multi skilling of the three officers to assist in each other’s functions during
             absences and seasonal influences has been an effective strategy in the short term
             with one officer on extended leave due to injury suffered in a motor vehicle accident.
           Continue to plan and coordinate pest and plant control programs in consultation with
             Parks & Natural Area staff of Council’s Planning and Infrastructure Branch.
           Participated in the development of the draft Pest Management Plan. Now involved in
             the operational implementation of the plan.
           Pest and Vector staff have now implemented the safe use practice of a quad bike
             procedure.
           Purchased a tractor mounted rotary ditch digging device (runnelling machine) for the
             maintenance of the existing mosquito control runnelling system.
           Joined/membership of Mosquito and Arbovirus Research Committee (MARC).
           Now working with the MARC to implement a control program consistent with national
             standards and scientific approaches.
           Purchased feral pig trapping equipment with $10,000 grant from Mary River and SEQ
             catchment groups.
           Purchased feral dog trapping equipment with State Govt. grant.

(iv)    Across all teams
           Developed budgets and new initiative proposals for 2015/16.
           Environmental Health Section Plan has been developed.

5.      FUTURE DIRECTION

(i)     Cemeteries
          Computerise a further 2,000 existing hard copy cemetery burial and ashes site
            records.
          New vehicle has replaced the small truck/light after plant operation review.
          Research potential land acquisition for expansion of Tewantin cemetery.
          Create cemetery website.
          Develop on site signage with maps at each cemetery.
          Scanning all cemetery forms and documents into ECM (ongoing).
          Review recommendations of AEC cemetery fees and charges report and implement
            where approved by Council.

(ii)    Environmental Health
           Undertake a food safety compliance project at regulated premises that have their own
             private water supplies, (i.e. properties not serviced with Unitywater mains supply).
           Undertake a compliance program of outstanding development approvals of “deemed
             approved” service stations by Co-ordinator of environmental health.
           Undertake a stormwater pollution prevention program at Hastings Street resorts.
           Organise meetings with State authorities Qld Health, Safe Food, DEHP and WH&S,
             to improve working relationships.
           Update customer service scripting with new local law/initiative information.
           Prepare reports on recreational water monitoring, food activities and personal
             appearance services to Qld Health.
           Train the Vector Control Officer in sediment and erosion control complaints,
             investigations and issue of penalty infringement notices (on-the-spot fines).
           Co-ordinator to investigate the ability of the Planning Scheme to control the
             establishment of new “deleted environmentally relevant activities” (e.g. service
             stations), to adequately maintain environmental protection.



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