Welcome to the Environmental Health page, where we prioritise the well-being of our community by safeguarding public health through proactive measures and regulations. Environmental Health is the relationship between human health and our surrounding environment, overseen by our dedicated Environmental Health team. From disease control to food safety, our team work tirelessly to uphold the highest standard of health and safety across the Central Coast.
Disease Control
Despite advancements in medicine and sanitation, the threat of infectious diseases remains a concern in our modern society. From foodborne illnesses to notifiable diseases, our Council is committed to swift action and control measures to protect public health. With a statutory obligation to investigate and respond to notifiable disease incidents, we provide resources and information to raise awareness and mitigate risks.
Immunisations
Immunisation is the cornerstone of public health, offering a shield against preventable diseases and safeguarding individuals of all ages. Through routine childhood immunisations and school-based clinics, we ensure that our community is equipped to combat vaccine-preventable diseases. While we no longer conduct monthly immunisation clinics, vaccinations in accordance with national guidelines are readily available through local healthcare providers.
Stay up-to-date with the latest immunisation schedules and access your records through the following online resources.
Noise
Noise pollution is sound at a level that is annoying, distracting or physically harmful. This can mean different things to different people.
In residential areas, an acceptable level of noise for one person may be unacceptable to another. A person’s reaction to noise may also depend on the time of the day and the nature of the noise.
Problems can be caused by the use of power tools, gardening equipment, poorly located air conditioners, music system subwoofers, or people talking loudly outdoors at a late-night party.
The general approach to residential noise management in Tasmania is that a person’s use of noise-making equipment, as well as their recreational activities, must not unreasonably interfere with their neighbour’s wellbeing. This includes the neighbour’s ability to use both indoor and outdoor spaces on their property.
More information, including Permissible Hours of Use can be found on the EPA website here.
What should I do when noise is a problem?
Discuss the problem with your neighbour. Often people are not aware that the noise is a problem. You may be able to come to an agreement over times when the noise won’t bother you. Also, remember that sometimes activities are a one-off or short term, and the noise will not be long lasting.
Try not to sever your relationship with your neighbours as a result of this problem, friendly neighbours are an asset. If you are unable to negotiate a suitable outcome, you may wish to contact Council on 6429 8900 to discuss the issue further.
Council will investigate your concern using Section 53 of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994. Council will consider if the noise may be unreasonably interfering with a person’s enjoyment of the environment, having regard to:
- Volume;
- Intensity;
- Duration;
- Time, place, and other circumstances in which the noise is emitted; and
- Noise diary evidence (dates, times and how it affects you).
Remember, if your music can be heard at the boundary of your property, it is too loud.
Noise from trail bikes
The Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2016 requires that:
“(1) A person must not, within 500 metres of residential premises, operate a motor vehicle, or motor vessel, for the purposes of sport or recreation, unless –
(a) the vehicle or vessel is being operated by the owner of the premises; and
(b) there is no other residential premises within 500 metres of where the vehicle or vessel is being so operated; and
(c) the noise emitted by the vehicle or vessel is not otherwise unlawful.”
The relevant 500m distance is to be measured from the nearest boundary of any land containing a dwelling.
Public Health Risk Activities
We take proactive steps to regulate and monitor public health risk activities, including skin penetration practices like piercing and tattooing. With licensing and registration requirements in place, we uphold stringent guidelines to prevent the risk of cross-contamination and ensure the safety of practitioners and clients alike. Explore our application forms and guidelines to understand the regulatory framework governing these activities, and join us in promoting safe and responsible practices in our community.
Current Guidelines:
Online Application Forms:
Join us in our mission to promote environmental health and well-being for all. For more information and assistance, please contact our Environmental Health team.