Vital role of Environmental Health Officers recognised

Fraser Coast residents are being encouraged to recognise the vital role Environmental Health Officers have in helping to prevent disease and keep us all safe.

Mayor George Seymour said tomorrow was World Environmental Health Day (Saturday 26 September) and it took on special significance this year with the work being done to combat and slow the spread of COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we go about our daily lives and has taken an enormous toll on our health, our society and our economy,” he said.

“While we have been very fortunate on the Fraser Coast to have had very few cases of COVID-19, World Environmental Health Day is an opportunity to reflect on the important work being done by Environmental Health Officers and all those involved in the medical profession to keep us safe.”

Cr Seymour said Council has a small team of Environmental Health Officers who had authority under state and local laws to promote public health, process applications, conduct water quality assessments, investigate complaints and regulate a range of activities.

“Our Environmental Health Officers have a varied role covering areas such as food safety, swimming pool water quality, budget accommodation and higher risk personal appearance premises such as tattooists, to name just a few examples,” he said.

“While Queensland Health is the lead agency responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Council’s Environmental Health Officers can assist with contact tracing when required and are also helping educate the community about the importance of complying with COVID Safe requirements.

“Council recently resolved to establish a COVID-19 Support Team which will be led by our Environmental Health Officers.

“The team’s immediate focus will be on education and awareness, for Council staff as well as businesses, sporting clubs, community groups and event hosts.

“It’s important we all continue to practice good hygiene, abide by physical distancing guidelines and follow the advice of health authorities, including getting tested at local fever clinics if required.”

**A video showcasing a day in the life of an Environmental Health Officer is available now on Fraser Coast Regional Council’s YouTube channel here