Major development projects are required to go through a formal approvals process in WA, which is coordinated by the Department of State Development (External link). The Department of Health is a key partner in the approvals process and assists proponents identify and address health issues related to a proposal.

It is important that the health of communities are not adversely affected by major developments. Proposals should aim to prevent environmental changes that can have potential adverse effects on the health of present and future generations.

Environmental Health and development approvals

The Environmental Health Directorate of the Public Health Division plays an important role in helping to coordinate the Department of Health's response to development proposals.

This website provides information on a range of environmental health issues (either addressed in legislation or requiring proactive management or preventive measures) that may need to be considered during the screening stages of any development.

Environmental Health issues to be considered for new developments

The information below outlines common environmental health related issues that may need to be considered for a development. Where available, further information can be accessed by clicking on the topic. Contact the Environmental Health Directorate on 9388 4999 if you require further information.

Planning for Healthy Communities

• Aboriginal Environmental Health
• On-site accommodation
• Transport

Environmental Health Hazards

• Air quality
• Dust prevention and control
• Fumes
• Gases
• Inhalable airborne particulates
• Odours
• Microbial – eg Legionella control
• Smoke
• Hazardous Chemicals
• Lead
• Safe Use of Pesticides

• Contaminated Sites
• Asbestos and other hazardous materials
• Groundwater
• Soil
• Storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials

• Nuisance insects
• Mosquito management
• Stable Fly
• Midge control

Radiation

• Radiation sources
• Sealed radiation sources
• Naturally occurring radioactive material

Water Quality

• Drinking Water (Potable)
• Bulk cartage of water
• Scheme water
• Small community water provider (<1000 persons)

• Recreational water environments
• Natural (e.g. Ocean, rivers and estuaries)
• Manmade (e.g. Aquatic facilities)

• Wastewater
• Treatment
• Disposal

• Other
• Greywater reuse
• Alternate water sources – Bores
• Catchments

Food Safety

• Hygienic food practices
• Skills and knowledge of staff
• Availability of quality foodstuffs for remote communities
• Adequate storage and cooking facilities
• Transportation of food

Guidance Materials

• Community Consultation
  The Department of Health has developed a guideline to assist proponents to consult effectively with communities.
• Health Impact Assessment
  Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a process the Department of Health recommends developers to use to help identify and examine both the positive and negative health impacts of an activity during its planning stages.
• Health Risk Assessment
  Health Risk Assessment is the process the Department of Health requires developers to use to demonstrate that their proposals will not adversely affect the health of the surrounding community.

For further information contact the Environmental Health Directorate on (08) 9388 4999 or email ehinfo@health.wa.gov.au

Useful Websites

Western Australian agencies:

• State Law Publisher (External link)
• Government of Western Australia (External link)
• Local Governments (Alphabetical listing) (External link)
• Department of Local Government and Regional Development (External link)
• Western Australian Planning Commission

Commonwealth agencies:

• Department for the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
• Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
• National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT)

Legislation:

• Commonwealth - Attorney General's Department
• Western Australian - State Law Publisher

Other:

• LandCorp
• Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA)

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