Organisational Policy
File No
=
CS.SP4 or HTH02
Policy Name
=
Aboriginal Environmental Health Strategy
Policy Purpose:
This Aboriginal Environmental Health Strategy will increase the Shire’s ability to identify and
manage environmental health needs on the Aboriginal Communities. The Strategy will provide a
framework to refer to; ensuring continuity of public health services at the front line is maintained.
The focus being to enhance environmental health outcomes through efficient management and
planning of the major factors that influence Aboriginal Environmental Health, which include:
Management of Physical Environment:  Water safety;
 Food safety (including nutrition);
 Air quality (eg. Dust control);
 Waste management (adequate sanitation and solid waste disposal); and
 Housing and overcrowding.
Management of Biological Hazards:  Insects and other pests;
 Microbiological control; and
 Dog control.
Management of Chemical Hazards:  Chemical safety standards;
 Pesticide application; and
 Toxicology.
Thus the Aboriginal Environmental Health Strategy will bring about:
 Better management:
 Better health outcomes: and
 More effective use of resources.
Principles / Framework:
Council’s policy is detailed in the Aboriginal Environmental Health Strategy report adopted by
Council at its ordinary Meeting held on 20 March 2001
Application
=
Statutory Environment
=
Minute Number
=
12.07.1045
Approval Date
=
Adopted at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 20 March
2001
____________________________
Signed
____________________________
Shire President
Monitor and Review
=
Last Review Date
=
Next Review Date
=
Reviewed at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 15 July
2003
This policy is to remain in force until otherwise determined by the Council or superseded.
SHIRE OF ASHBURTON
ABORIGINAL ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH STRATEGY
Prepared by Evan Brown (Ebass EH Services)
CONTENTS
1.0
Introduction
2.0
Objectives
3.0
Background
4.0
Shire of Ashburton – Aboriginal Community Statistics –
As at December 31 2000
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
Innawonga (Bellary Springs)
Wakathuni
Ngurawaana
Youngaleena Bunjima
Bindi Bindi
Mount Wyndell
Yathalla
5.0
Current Environment – Essential Services
6.0
Planning Environment
7.0
Council’s Role in Environmental Health Management
8.0
Overview
9.0
Hierarchy of Responsible Agencies for the Provision of Environmental Health Services to
the Aboriginal Communities of the Shire of Ashburton
10.0
Aboriginal Community Localities within the Shire of Ashburton
11.0
References
1.0
INTRODUCTION
Environmental Health provides much of the basis for modern society where improvements
in sanitation, drinking water quality, food safety, disease control, housing conditions and air
quality have resulted in the improvement of the quality of life and longevity experienced in
Australia.
“Environmental Health practice covers the assessment, correction, control and prevention
of environmental factors that can adversely affect health, as well as the enhancement of
those aspects of the environment that can improve human health”.
(National Environmental Health Strategy, 1999)
Australians are entitled to live in a safe and healthy environment and this concept forms the
basis of the Shire of Ashburton’s Aboriginal Environmental Health Strategy. It is the
responsibility of governments at all levels to provide and deliver services and leadership to
the Aboriginal Communities within the local government.
The purpose of this document is to minimise duplication of effort in the planning and
delivery of environmental health related services through the identification of the key
service providers and improved coordination and cooperation with these agencies.
2.0
OBJECTIVES
This Aboriginal Environmental Health Strategy aims to increase the Shire’s ability to identify
and manage environmental health needs on the Aboriginal Communities. The Strategy will
provide a framework to refer to, ensuring continuity of public health services at the front line
is maintained. The focus being to enhance environmental health outcomes through efficient
management and planning of the major factors that influence Aboriginal Environmental
Health, which include:
Management of Physical Environment: 




Water safety;
Food safety (including nutrition);
Air quality (eg. Dust control);
Waste management (adequate sanitation and solid waste disposal); and
Housing and overcrowding.
Management of Biological Hazards: 


Insects and other pests;
Microbiological control; and
Dog control.
Management of Chemical Hazards: 


Chemical safety standards;
Pesticide application; and
Toxicology.
Thus the Aboriginal Environmental Health Strategy will bring about:



Better management:
Better health outcomes: and
More effective use of resources.
3.0
BACKGROUND
In the establishment of environmental health needs and the delivery of health services, it is
recognised that the majority of remote Aboriginal Communities require a significant injection
of funds to achieve acceptable Environmental Health Standards. Decision-makers with
limited funds are thereby forced to prioritise which Communities receive assistance and in
what capacity.
This process may sometimes appear unfair but is based on Communities with the highest
relative needs. It is ongoing and coordinated at the Federal level by the Aboriginal and
Torres Straight Islander Commission (ATSIC) and at the State tier by the Ministry of
Housing.
All Capital Works for water, wastewater and power in remote Aboriginal Communities is
funded by ATSIC. The Ministry of Housing, Aboriginal Housing and Infrastructure Unit
(AHIU) and ATSIC fund the routine repairs and maintenance to the established essential
services infrastructure on the Communities.
The Capital Works Program and Repair and Maintenance Program has led to a combined
management approach by the respective government departments, known as the Remote
Area Essential Services Program (RAESP). The RAESP appoints a Contracted State
Program Manager (CSPM) whose role is to prepare and manage the Capital Works and
Repair and Maintenance Programs, including the setting of standards and specifications.
The review and performance of these works undertaken by the CSPM is in consultation
with a coordinating Steering Committee comprising ATSIC, Aboriginal Affairs Department
(AAD), the Office of Energy (OOE) and the Office of Water Regulation (OOWF).
4.0
SHIRE OF ASHBURTON – ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY STATISTICS –
AS AT DECEMBER 31 2000
4.1
INNAWONGA (BELLARY SPRINGS)

Administrative Information:
Contains eight occupied houses, one is a duplex. Seven houses contain three
bedrooms whilst the duplex has two bedrooms for each unit.

Usual Population:
Thirty people.

Physical Infrastructure and Assets:
Power:
Diesel Powered Generators:
1 x 42 kva Community Generator
1 x 27 kva Backup Generator
(i)
Water:
1 x 17 kl Settling Tank
1 x 22 kl Dispersion Tank (gravity fed)
Water supply is via solar powered bore; water is disinfected through an ultra
violet light filter unit.
(iii)
Sanitation:
All houses are serviced by conventional septic tank and leach drain
effluent disposal systems.
4.2

Facility Repairs and Maintenance:
There is no routine maintenance program.

Infrastructure Maintenance:
There is no routine maintenance program.

Human Services:
Training programs are still under investigation.

Development Planning:
Gumala Aboriginal Corporation.

Health Services:
Infectious disease monitoring and infant health services are currently provided
by the Tom Price Hospital, through regular visits by a nurse based in Tom
Price.

Solid Waste Disposal:
This is provided by the Shire of Ashburton where rubbish bins are allocated
and waste is collected on a weekly fee for service basis.

General Housing Maintenance:
Ngarda Ngarli Yarndu NNY Regional Council’s Community Housing
Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Communities are eligible to apply for funding
from the Regional Council under this program for Municipal Services;
however, the Community must demonstrate regular management of relevant
housing issues.
WAKATHUNI:

Administrative Information:
Contains twelve occupied three-bedroom houses, one single room quarters
with four bedrooms and one four-bedroom house.

Usual Population:
Eighty people.

Physical Infrastructure and Assets:
(i)
Power:
Diesel Powered Generators:
1 x 42 kva Community Generator
1 x 27 kva Backup Generator
(ii)
Water:
1 x 50 kl elevated storage tank
Water supply is via electric powered bore; water is disinfected through an
ultra violet light filter unit.
(iii)

Sanitation:
All houses are connected to reticulated sewerage system; sewerage is
treated by effluent pond system.
Facility Repairs and Maintenance:
Regional Service Provider (RSP) provides routine maintenance every six
weeks.
4.3

Infrastructure Maintenance:
Regional Service Provider (RSP) provides routine maintenance every six
weeks.

Human Services:
Community Development Enterprise Program (CDEP) provides limited training
on community in building/housing trades. This program is yet to establish a
significant presence.

Development Training:
Gumala Aboriginal Corporation.

Health Services:
Infectious disease monitoring and infant health services are currently provided
by the Tom Price Hospital, through regular visits by a nurse based in Tom
Price.

Solid Waste Disposal:
The community in conjunction with the Shire of Ashburton’s Aboriginal
Environmental Health Program provides solid Waste disposal. Funding is also
provided through the Community Development Enterprise Program (CDEP).

General Housing Maintenance:
Ngarda Ngarli Yarndu NNY Regional Council’s Community Housing
Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Communities are eligible to apply for funding
from the Regional Council under this program for Municipal Services;
however, the Community must demonstrate regular management of relevant
housing issues.
NGURAWAANA:

Administrative Information:
Contains ten houses. There are also two derelict donger’s in the community.

Usual Population:
Thirty people.

Physical Infrastructure and Assets:
(i)
Power:
Diesel Powered Generators:
1 x 42 kva Community Generator
1 x 27 kva Backup Generator
(ii)
Water:
1 x 50 kl elevated storage tank
Water supply is via electric powered bore; water is disinfected through a
chlorination filter unit.
(iii)

Sanitation:
All houses are serviced by conventional septic tank and leach drain
effluent disposal system.
Facility Repairs and Maintenance:
Regional Service Provider (RSP) provides routine maintenance every six
weeks.
4.4

Infrastructure Maintenance:
Regional Service Provider (RSP) provides routine maintenance every six
weeks.

Human Services:
Training Programs – CDEP.

Development Training:
NNY Regional Council.

Health Services:
The Marwankara Medical Service provides infectious disease monitoring and
medical services.

Solid Waste Disposal:
This is undertaken by the Community.

General Housing Maintenance:
Ngarda Ngarli: Yarndu NNY Regional Council’s Community Housing
Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Communities are eligible to apply for funding
from the Regional Council under this program for Municipal Services;
however, the Community must demonstrate regular management of relevant
housing issues.
YOUNGALEENA BUNJIMA:

Administrative Information:
Contains seven houses and one single man’s quarters.

Usual Population:
Thirty to fifty people.

Physical Infrastructure and Assets:
(i)
Power:
Diesel Powered Generators
(ii)
Water:
1 x 50 kl elevated storage tank
Water supply is via electric powered bore; water is disinfected through an
ultra violet light filter unit.
(iii)
Sanitation:
All houses are serviced by conventional septic tank and leach drain
effluent disposal system.

Facility Repairs and Maintenance:
Routine maintenance is provided by RSP.

Infrastructure Maintenance:
Routine maintenance is provided by RSP.

Human Services:
No training programs to date.
4.5

Development Training:
NNY Regional Council.

Health Services:
No health services to date.

Solid Waste Disposal:
Solid waste disposal is via Community rubbish facility.

General Housing Maintenance:
Ngarda Ngarli: Yarndu NNY Regional Council’s Community Housing
Infrastructure Program (CHIP). Communities are eligible to apply for funding
from the Regional Council under this program for Municipal Services;
however, the Community must demonstrate regular management of relevant
housing issues.
BINDI BINDI:

Administrative Information:
Contains sixteen three bedroom houses, nine single room quarters, two sets
of duplex, kindergarten and workshop.

Usual Population:
Eighty to one hundred people.

Physical Infrastructure and Assets:
(i)
Power:
Western Power
(ii)
Water:
Water Corporation
(iii)
Sanitation:
Private sewerage scheme.

Facility Repairs and Maintenance:
In house.

Infrastructure Maintenance:
Generally in house with RSP attending to sewerage treatment plant.

Human Services:
CDEP is used extensively and provides training in building/housing trades.

Development Training:
As yet not well developed.

Health Services:
Infectious diseases monitoring and infant health services are provided by the
Onslow Hospital.

Solid Waste Disposal:
The Community itself provides a refuse collection service through its CDEP
with disposal at the Shire of Ashburton landfill site.

General Housing Maintenance:
Housing maintenance is done in house with funding from Homeswest.
5.0
4.6
MOUNT WYNDELL:
There are currently no formal residences at this community. There are two
caravans and several shelters; presently the area is used only for lore meetings due
to its tendency to flood during the wet season.
4.7
YATHALLA:
There is one large rammed earth caretaker’s residence and three donger’s,
however; this community seems to be unoccupied for the current time.
CURRENT ENVIRONMENT – ESSENTIAL SERVICES:
With Capital Works substantially initiated on the Shire of Ashburton’s inhabited remote
Aboriginal Communities, the initial set of core environmental health needs have been
established. That is essential services such as improved access, water, power, sewerage
systems and housing. However, without basic maintenance and improved coordination
between agencies providing the physical infrastructure, remote Communities can quickly
become environmental health hazards.
The following four Communities receive routine maintenance of essential services by the
CSPM through its Regional Service Provider (RSP). The RSP is appointed as Program
Manager by the CSPM for the repair and maintenance of essential service assets under the
State funded Repair and Maintenance Program.




Wakathuni
Ngurawaana
Bindi Bindi (not a remote Community)
*Youngaleena
The first three mentioned are recognised by the Ministry of Housing’s State funded
program, whilst *Youngaleena is an ATSIC supported Community and receives funding for
routine repairs and maintenance from the Federal level, under the Capital Works Program.
The RSP further appoints Program Managers such as plumbing and electrical contractors
to provide the physical works required in the repair and maintenance of essential services.
The current Program Manager for the duties prescribed under the State funded Repair and
Maintenance Program in the Shire of Ashburton is Para Plumbing. The RSP manages
these programs and undertakes certain works itself.
The Repair and Maintenance Program includes the provision of routine maintenance of
essential service assets, the provision of an emergency call-out service and the provision of
a water sampling and reporting service.
Whilst Bellary Springs is not recognised at either level for routine maintenance, it is an
ATSIC supported Community and can receive emergency assistance under the provisions
of the Capital Works Program.
As previously mentioned, in addition to the maintenance of essential services, all
Communities are eligible to apply for funding from the Ngarda Ngarli Yarndu Regional
Council (NNY) for Municipal Services as part of the Community Housing Infrastructure
Program (CHIP).
6.0
PLANNING ENVIRONMENT
As a result of recent initiatives to provide a planning framework for the future development
of Aboriginal Communities, the Shire of Ashburton will be introducing new provisions to coordinate the growth of communities. Council’s proposed Town Planning Scheme No. 7 will
require each Aboriginal Community within the Shire to prepare a Development Plan
outlining the future growth of the community and how this growth will be achieved, i.e.
provision of services and facilities.
This approach is consistent with the Western Australian Planning Commissions Statement
of Planning Policy No. 13 – Planning for Aboriginal Communities, which provides guidance
in the establishment of development plans for large Aboriginal Communities.
Once Council and Western Australian Planning Commission adopts a Development Plan,
applications for new housing will only require the submission of a Building Licence to
Council.
7.0
COUNCIL’S ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT
The Shire of Ashburton has a legislative requirement for the provision of Public Health
improvement, maintenance and management within its boundaries. The Council fulfils
these obligations through its Environmental Health Services Section.
This legislative requirement as determined by the Health Act 1911 does not transcend to
the Shire’s remote Aboriginal Communities as these inhabited areas are vested in the
Crown. The Shire of Ashburton however acknowledges it’s duty of care as a government
agency in maintaining Public Health Standards, and the resulting benefits on the broader
community in assuming a responsible role.
The Shire of Ashburton has revealed a progressive stance in its active involvement in
Aboriginal Environmental Health management and issues. Council has further appointed
an AEHW; the Office of Aboriginal Health (OAH) and the Shire of Ashburton jointly fund this
position.
The AEHW reports to the EHO on the status in the remote and isolated communities. The
EHO can then appropriately assess community health standards. The AEHW provides an
important presence on the communities establishing strong working relationships with the
inhabitants and community leaders and thereby providing a vital link between Council and
the Aboriginal Communities. This relationship is the cornerstone in providing effective
management and maintenance of Environmental Health.
The EHO and AEHW establish and implement specific Environmental Health programs
intended to improve living standards and to train community participants to self-manage the
relevant issues. The focus is on education in the maintenance of all factors associated with
developing and improving public health standards, as this underpins all aspects of
environmental health.
The funding agreement and Council’s position requirements for the AEHW are reflected in
the programs and projects undertaken by the AEHW and managed by the EHO. The
Maintenance of Essential Service Assets is monitored and particular attention is diverted to
those communities, namely Bellary Springs, not routinely serviced by the RSP.
Communities are assessed on a weekly basis so as conditions are regularly monitored and
problems are swiftly identified. The AEHW devotes an entire day per week to each of the
large communities and reports any defects to the EHO. The EHO inspects the communities
on a regular basis to facilitate effective management.
The potable water supply program is also conducted by the EHO, with samples from nonserviced communities being collected on a monthly basis. Samples from serviced
communities are obtained less frequently.
The AEHW repairs facilities and equipment to his competence, where they are beyond his
expertise he reports faults and breakdowns to the EHO and other agencies as outlined. The
EHO ensures that facilities and equipment including essential service assets are being
maintained in the designated manner.
The AEHW maintains the following programs under the control of the EHO: (i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
8.0
Dust control/greening program;
Pest control;
Sanitation maintenance;
Animal health (Dog Health & Hygiene);
Domestic and personal hygiene;
Food safety; and
Electrical safety and compliance.
OVERVIEW
The EHO oversees the Aboriginal Environmental Health Program (AEHP) and acts on
reports from the AEHW. Public health defects are referred to the appropriate responsible
bodies for rectification, be they the respective agencies mentioned in this strategy or the
community representatives themselves.
Effective management by the EHO through the identification and updating of contracted
service providers and responsible agencies, will ensure that duplication in delivery by
Government Departments is avoided. Furthermore, it will identify and address gaps that
may currently exist in providing Environmental Health Services to the remote Aboriginal
Communities.
The Shire, in assuming a managing role and a regular presence at the communities, will
enhance communication between all agencies involved in Aboriginal Environmental Health.
Defective equipment and infrastructure can be identified early before major problems
develop to the benefit of all the relevant players.
Where possible the EHO will assist communities in obtaining funding (eg CHIP funding)
and to budget and manage finances. This will assist in the ability to purchase and
adequately maintain equipment and facilities that are central to enhancing and improving
public health.
The AEHW through the various education programs developed will be on the ground to
train and educate community members in areas of housekeeping, a core requirement to
overall health and well being. The management program in place will closely monitor
results in the field and will lead to improved Environmental Health outcomes.
9.0 HIERARCHY OF RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES FOR THE PROVISION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES OF THE SHIRE
OF ASHBURTON
FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT
STATE
GOVERNMENT
STEERING COMMITTEE
ATSIC, AAD (Aboriginal Affairs
Department), MoH (Ministry of Housing),
OOE (Office of Energy), OWR (Office of
Water Regulation)
l
Review performance of Capital
Works undertaken in consultation
CSPM Prepares and manages
Capital works and repairs
and maintenance programs
CSPM
(Contracted
State
Program
Manager)
CapitalWorksPro
gram
(ATSIC funded)
Repair and
maintenance of
Essential Service
Assets
OAH
(Office of
Aboriginal
Health)
Repair and
Maintenance
Program (MoH
funded)
Emergency
assistance for
repair of Essential
Service Assets
CSPM appoints RSP as Project
Manager for repair and
Maintenance of Essential
Service assets.
Establishment
and provision
of Essential
Service
Assets
RSP
RSP and other
Appointed
Project
Managers
All communities
considered on
a priority needs
basis.
RSP and other
Appointed
Project
Managers
(Regional
Service
Provider)
Project Managers
Youngale
ena
Innawonga
Unoccupied
(Bellary
Springs)
Communities
1. Mt Wyndell
2. Yathalla
Ngurawaana
Bunjima
Assessment, maintenance
Aboriginal Environmental
Health Program.
Bindi Bindi
Wakathuni
And management of EH
Needs. Deficiencies in
Essential Service assets
Reported to respective agency
Contracted EHO and AEHW
Shire of Ashburton
(SOA)
REFERENCES
1. enHealth, 1999, ‘The National Environmental Health Strategy’, ACT, Nov 1999.
2. ATSIC, 1994, ‘Indigenous Australia Today, Statistical Focus by ATSIC Regions’,
Statistical Services Strategic Development Unit, ATSIC, Canberra, July.
1. Environmental Needs Coordinating Committee, 1998, ‘Environmental Health Needs
of Aboriginal Communities in Western Australia’. The 1997 Survey and its findings.
2. NHMRC & ARMCANZ, 1996, ‘Australian Drinking Water Guidelines National Water
Quality Management Strategy’, National Health and Medical Research Council of
Australia and the Agricultural and Resource Management Council of Australia and
New Zealand.