Food Act Notification/Registration FormEnvironmental Health FAQs
Intention To Prepare & Sell Food
- You need to obtain written permission from the Shire of Gnowangerup (the Shire) Environmental Health Officer (EHO) prior to preparing and selling food.
- Where food is prepared for sale such as a food shop or catering or included with accommodation, you must first obtain a Food Business Registration. All persons handling food must wear protective clothing & be trained in food hygiene.
- Bed & Breakfast, Farm Stay, Shearers Quarters, the operator MUST obtain a Food Business Registration.
- Where food is prepared for fundraising purposes, a Food Traders Licence is not required for occasional sausage sizzles & other prepared foods. If unsure, please contact the Shire's EHO.
- Alterations to food shops MUST be approved in writing by the EHO PRIOR to commencing construction. Failure to do so may incur an infringement notice of $500.
Noise Complaint
- No person or organisation is to create unreasonable noise, but an occasional interruption will likely be considered acceptable.
- Unwanted noise from industrial machinery, loud music, parties & motor vehicles is not acceptable at any time.
Impacted residents are encouraged to lodge a written complaint with the Shire.
Drinking Water
The Shire will sample drinking water monthly in rural areas where it is to be used in food shops and locations where people pay for accommodation.
The Shire charges a small fee for routine water testing as adopted in the Shire’s Annual Fees & Charges.
Swimming pool water is also tested monthly during the summer season.
Rural homeowners can arrange for their drinking water to be tested for bacterial contamination by contacting the Shire Administration Office on 9827 1007.
Wastewater
Where a house or business is connected to an onsite wastewater treatment plan (septic system) or Aerobic Treatment Unit, the connection MUST first be approved by the EHO prior to use.
If an owner wishes to install a new leach drain or alter existing plumbing pipes, written approval from the Shire MUST be given prior to commencement.
Accommodation & Public Venues
- Owners of farm stays, chalets, rural accommodation, camp schools & shearers quarters MUST seek Shire approval prior to providing accommodation. Owners MUST contact the Shire where accommodation is provided & the premises are unlicensed.
- All club rooms, halls & places for public assembly MUST be assessed by appropriately qualified Shire officers for building fire & evacuation safety. The Shire will issue a Certificate of Maximum Accommodation which includes the maximum number of users.
Club secretaries are required to contact the Shire’s EHO to arrange an inspection if the building does not have a Certificate of Maximum Accommodation.
Asbestos
- Prior to removing asbestos cement sheeting, homeowners should contact the Shire to ensure they comply with new laws.
- The Shire does not have a licence to accept asbestos disposal at our landfill sites.
- There are new rules in place for the removal of asbestos & asbestos cement sheeting. Failure to follow Shire direction may incur a $500 fine or legal action.
Tattoos & Piercing
- Shire written permission is required where hair dressing, skin penetration or tattooing is to take place.
