BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL
LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8:
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN
July 2014 edition
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
This Environmental Health Sub-plan is an operational approach plan of the Brisbane City Council
Local Disaster Management Plan and has been endorsed by the Brisbane City Local Disaster
Management Group (Brisbane LDMG).
This Environmental Health Sub-plan will be reviewed, practised and updated annually in
accordance with the procedures mandated by the Brisbane LDMG.
AMENDMENTS AND REVIEW
This Environmental Health Sub-plan (EHSP) will be reviewed, practiced and updated annually in
accordance with the procedures mandated by the Brisbane LDMG.
It shall be reviewed at least once each year by a committee of appropriately qualified and
experienced personnel. The committee shall, as a minimum, consist of the Principal Officer,
Environmental Health, an Environmental Health Team Leader, Business Manager - Environmental
Health and a representative of Brisbane LDMG.
1.
Proposed amendments to this sub-plan are to be forwarded in writing to the Manager,
Disaster Management Office (MDMO), who may approve minor amendments.
2.
Proposed amendments that affect the intent of this sub-plan, roles and responsibilities
or external agencies must be endorsed by the Local Disaster Coordinator (LDC) and/or
the MDMO and may be forwarded to the Brisbane LDMG for approval if required. This
type of amendment is referred to as a major amendment.
3.
Endorsed amendments are to be listed in the table below.
4.
Version control of this sub-plan is managed by the Disaster Management Office.
Reissue of this sub-plan following amendment or review will be recorded in the table
below and advice of reissue will be distributed throughout the disaster management
network. Recipients should take all appropriate action to ensure they are in possession
of the most recent version, and that previous versions in both hard copy and electronic
forms are archived accordingly. Further information can be requested by contacting the
Disaster Management Office.
Environmental Health Sub-plan Version Control
Version
Date
Reviewed by
Endorsed by
Comments
1.0
March 2012
Manager, Disaster Management
Office
Chair, Brisbane LDMG
2012 official
version
Manager, Compliance & Regulatory
Services
Manager, Disaster
Management Office
Revisions
Manager, Disaster
Management Office
Revisions
Manager, Disaster Management
Office
Chair, Brisbane LDMG
2013 official
version
Senior Project Officer,
Environmental Health
Manager, Disaster
Management Office
1.1
July 2012
District Disaster Coordinator
Coordinator, Disaster Management
Office
1.2
February
2013
Manager, Compliance & Regulatory
Services
Coordinator, Disaster Management
Office
2.0
2.1
May 2013
November
2013
District Disaster Coordinator
Minor revisions
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
5. This sub-plan is to be reviewed:

On activation of an event requiring the use of this sub-plan

On activation of similar disaster management plans in other states, territories or
overseas where considered possible

Upon annual review of Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan in accordance
with the Disaster Management Act 2003 (Qld)
6. This sub-plan, together with its supporting standard operating procedures (SOPs), is to
be tested annually. The MDMO is to brief relevant stakeholders and the Brisbane LDMG
on the results of testing this plan.
7. In accordance with legislation, the Brisbane Local Disaster Management Plan and all its
underpinning sub-plans will be approved by the Chair of the Brisbane LDMG annually.
REFERENCES
Table 2 summarises a comprehensive, but not exhaustive list of the many inter-related documents
that provide authority for the Brisbane City Council (Council) Environmental Health Sub-plan.
Table 1: Environmental Health Reference List
References
A
Disaster Management Act 2003, effective 21 May 2014
B
Brisbane City Council Disaster Management Plan, effective July 2014
C
Queensland Health, (2005), Central Public Health Unit Network - Disaster Management Plan,
Queensland Government
D
Emergency Management Australia, (1999), Australian Emergency Management Series,
Australian Government.
E
World Health Organisation (2002), Environmental Health in Emergencies and Disaster – A
practical guide
F
Brisbane City Council Brisbane Incident Management System (BIMS)
G Australian Red Cross (2012), Preferred Sheltering Practices for Emergency Sheltering in
Australia
H
Queensland Local Disaster Management Guidelines, September 2012
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AMENDMENTS AND REVIEW ........................................................................................................ I
Environmental Health Sub-plan Version Control ........................................................................... i
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... II
Table 1: Environmental Health Reference List ............................................................................ ii
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Audience ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Custodian .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Authority ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.4 Aim ........................................................................................................................................ 2
1.5 Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.6 Supporting Documents .......................................................................................................... 2
2.0 VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT .............................................................. 4
2.1 Hazard Identification.............................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Environmental Health risk assessment .................................................................................. 4
2.3 Review of vulnerability ........................................................................................................... 4
3.0 PREVENTION AND MITIGATION ......................................................................................... 5
3.1 Risk Mitigation ....................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Preparedness ........................................................................................................................ 5
4.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE .................................................................................................. 6
4.1 Activation of Environmental Health Sub-plan ......................................................................... 6
4.2 Coordination and Control....................................................................................................... 6
4.3 Recall of Personnel After Hours ............................................................................................ 7
4.4 Roles and Responsibilities .................................................................................................... 7
4.5 Communication ..................................................................................................................... 7
5.0 REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY.................................................................................... 9
5.1 Debriefing the Incident .......................................................................................................... 9
5.2 Restocking Resources .......................................................................................................... 9
5.3 Reviewing Policies and Procedures ...................................................................................... 9
6.0 APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................... 10
6.1 Appendix 1 - Environmental Health Threats ........................................................................ 11
6.2 Appendix 2 – Environmental Health Hazardous Events Mitigation ....................................... 13
6.3 Appendix 3 – Environmental Health Sub-plan Roles and Responsibilities ........................... 14
6.4 Appendix 4 – Acronyms and Abbreviations ......................................................................... 17
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
1.0
INTRODUCTION
Environmental health is concerned with the investigation, assessment, and management of the
physical, chemical, biological, and social factors in our environment that have the potential to
impact upon human health and wellbeing. In managing these factors, environmental health focuses
on creating and maintaining sustainable environments that permit human development, enhance
human health and wellbeing, and ensure environmental protection.
During hazardous events, there is a range of environmental health issues that may need to be
addressed including:
food safety
vector control
water safety
disposal of dead
emergency shelters
infectious diseases
waste and excreta disposal
dangerous goods
personal hygiene
environmental pollution
Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan outlines Council’s need for thorough planning and
cooperation at all levels in the prevention, preparation for, response to and recovery from
hazardous events. This EHSP focuses on managing the environmental health risks that have the
potential to affect Brisbane and South East Queensland as a result of hazardous events. The
EHSP has been prepared as a functional support plan for, and must be read and interpreted in
conjunction with, Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan.
1.1
Audience
This EHSP has been prepared for Council, the Lord Mayor, the Brisbane LDMG, Council business
units, and key external stakeholders.
1.2
Custodian
The MDMO, on behalf of Council, is the custodian of this EHSP. The custodian has the
responsibility for implementing, evaluating, testing, reviewing and updating this plan. The custodian
is also to ensure proper quality, security, integrity, consistency, privacy, confidentiality and
accessibility of the plan.
The Custodian’s contact details are:
Title:
Manager, Disaster Management Office
Contact: +61 7 3403 8888
1.3
Authority
Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan and this Environmental Health Sub-plan have been
developed pursuant to the Disaster Management Act. Council environmental health practitioners
have been authorised through their appointment and delegation to undertake certain roles and
responsibilities in relation to the legislated functions and powers of Council.
Council personnel delegated this authority to include officers holding any of the following positions:

Principal Officer Environmental Health
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CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)

Environmental Health Team Leader

Senior Environmental Health Officer

Environmental Health Officer

Business Manager Environmental Health
Key legislation covering functions, powers and authorisations of environmental health practitioners
is included in the following Acts (and their subordinate Regulations):

City of Brisbane Act 2010

Environmental Protection Act 1994

Food Act 2006

Public Health Act 2005

Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003

Any relevant Brisbane City Council local laws and ordinances
In the event of a disaster the chairperson of the State Disaster Management Group or District
Disaster Management Group may authorise any or all of Council’s environmental health
practitioners or officers of other disciplines to exercise declared disaster powers for a disaster
situation. In such a situation the following legislation applies:
Disaster Management Act 2003 (Qld); and
Public Safety Preservation Act 1986.
1.4
Aim
The EHSP aims to mitigate and manage potential, imminent or actual environmental health risks
within Brisbane and South East Queensland before, during, and after hazardous events.
1.5
Objectives
The mitigation and management of environmental health risks shall be achieved by:
a. Delivering best practice environmental health services using preventative principles.
b. Planning and preparing for an environmental health response to hazardous events.
c. Integrating Council’s environmental health resources with other stakeholders.
d. Delivering a timely and effective environmental health response during and after a
hazardous event.
e. Providing advice, assistance and action with regard to environmental health risks
before, during and after a hazardous event.
f.
1.6
Ensuring recovery strategies manage both the short- and long-term environmental
health risks and restore the community’s capability to mitigate these risks quickly and
effectively with appropriate regard to the type of hazardous event that has occurred.
Supporting Documents
The EHSP shall be supported by the following documents:

Environmental Health Incident Response Log

Environmental Health Incident and Disaster Response Standard Operating
Procedure
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will also be created for specific environmental health
threats in order to appropriately deploy environmental health resources in an emergency situation.
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
These supporting documents can be found on the Local Government Toolbox website
(www.lgtoolbox.qld.gov.au) and cover specific environmental health threats such as:

Pandemic influenza

Flooding

Food-borne illness outbreak

Contaminant release.
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
2.0
2.1
VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT
Hazard Identification
In relation to the EHSP, a hazardous event creates environmental health risks directly through
either a short- or long-term disruption to basic services (such as potable water supply, sanitation,
waste management services and/or power supply) and/or through damage to critical infrastructure,
businesses (particularly regulated businesses) and/or dwellings (particularly dwellings of high risk
populations).
Identified hazards that create or magnify environmental health risks include:

Fire (including bushfire)

Flood

Earthquake

Communicable disease outbreak

Acts of terror

Contaminated water supply

Food-borne illness

Dangerous goods incidents

Disruption to essential infrastructure (power, water, sewerage)

Environmental contamination

Riot or other significant public disorder.
Council acknowledges the risks that particular hazards present and these have been addressed in
this sub-plan as specific environmental health threats. It is acknowledged that not all threats can be
known and as such this sub-plan ensures that key issues in responding to environmental health
emergencies are identified and practised. (Refer to Appendix 8.1)
2.2
Environmental Health risk assessment
The qualitative risk assessment located in Chapter 1 of the Local Disaster Management Plan
informs Council’s Environmental Health Disaster Management arrangements. It provides a
descriptive measure of the likelihood, consequence and overall risk rating of natural disasters and
non-natural disasters that may affect the city of Brisbane. The model that underpins the emergency
risk management process is based on the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4360:2004 for risk
management.
In addition to the qualitative risk assessment in Chapter 1, Appendix 8.1 provides a list of
environmental health impacts that are a direct or indirect result of a hazardous event. It can be
used to trigger environmental health mitigation procedures for a particular hazardous event.
2.3
Review of vulnerability
A review of Brisbane’s vulnerability to hazardous events that may impact upon environmental
health conditions should be undertaken on an annual basis. The review should include a qualitative
and quantitative risk assessment. The review of vulnerability can be completed in collaboration
with Brisbane LDMG, Queensland Health, Queensland Fire and Rescue Services, and any other
key stakeholders.
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
3.0
3.1
PREVENTION AND MITIGATION
Risk Mitigation
Risk mitigation involves measures taken in advance of a disaster aimed at decreasing or
eliminating its impacts on society and environment. Environmental health prevention and mitigation
involves regulatory and physical measures to ensure that emergencies are prevented, or their
effects are mitigated.
For a list of environmental health threats refer to Appendix 8.1. In addition to possible mitigation
procedures listed in the table at Appendix 8.2, all Environmental Health Officers are to receive
training in disaster management and participate in annual exercises. The Environmental Health
SOP can be used as a resource to further direct mitigation strategies.
3.2
Preparedness
Training and Exercises
Training and exercises shall be undertaken to ensure that all relevant personnel are familiar with
the EHSP and any related policies and procedures.
Training: Training shall be undertaken on an annual basis. All environmental health practitioners
shall be trained in general disaster management, the EHSP and subordinate procedures, and the
Environmental Health Emergency Response Service protocols and procedures. Training must
ensure that the officers are able to understand the Sub-plan and use the relevant procedures
effectively. A record of training shall be maintained.
Exercises: The EHSP shall be practised at least annually. Exercises may range from detailed
desktop scenarios to full-scale operational exercises. Relevant personnel shall be advised of
pending exercises; however, the content and specific times of exercises should be concealed to
ensure an effective test of capability. Exercises should be developed around a realistic scenario
with only the exercise coordinator/s aware of the exercise plot as this will ensure the best possible
learning outcomes.
During exercises, observers should be used to keep detailed records of response times,
processes, decisions, challenges, problems and any other pertinent information. A detailed debrief
must be conducted with all personnel involved within 48 hours of an exercise. A full report must be
submitted to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Branch Manager CARS, and the MDMO.
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CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
4.0
4.1
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Activation of Environmental Health Sub-plan
If required, the EHSP will be activated automatically by the Local Disaster Management Plan or on
direction from the Lord Mayor, the CEO, or Brisbane LDMG. The Brisbane LDMG will then direct
the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) or Customer Contact Centre to notify the relevant
personnel of the activation of the Plan. Relevant Environmental Health Officer (EHO) contacts can
be found on Council’s Brisbane Incident System Management (BIMS) Online site or can be
accessed via the Disaster Management Office.
4.2
Coordination and Control
When the EHSP is activated, environmental health responses will be controlled by the Branch
Manager, CARS or delegate and coordinated by the Principal Officer, Environmental Health in
collaboration with the Business Manager, Environmental Health. Figure 1 indicates the chain of
command when this Sub-plan is activated.
Command and control of teams in the field will rest with Business Manager, Environmental Health
unless otherwise specified by the MDMO, Manager CARS, or Principal Officer Environmental
Health.
Brisbane LDMG
LDCC Operations (level 4)
LDCC Incident Controller
CARS Liaison Officer
Branch Manager CARS
Principal Environmental
Health Officer
Manager City Standards &
Manager City Safety &
Enforcement
Business Manager
Environmental Health
Environmental Health
Team Leader / Senior EHO
Environmental Health
Officer
Figure 1: Chain of Command for the Environmental Health Sub-plan
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
4.3
Recall of Personnel After Hours
When the EHSP is activated, environmental health personnel may be recalled to provide sufficient
resources to deal with the event. If a minor hazardous event (level 1 or 2) activation occurs at a
regional level (e.g. minor pollution incident), the on-call Environmental Health Incident duty officer
will respond to the event. If additional resources are required then the on-call escalation manager
is to be contacted.
If a major hazardous event happens, e.g. major chemical spill (level 3 or 4 activation), the LDCC
will inform the Manager CARS who in turn will inform the Principal Officer Environmental Health
and Business Managers of staff requirements. Refer to Section 1 for more detail on activation
levels.
Staff will be contacted via the call centre or staff contact list and instructed to attend a designated
rally point. The Manager CARS, Principal Officer Environmental Health and Regional Team
Leaders are to have in their possession an up-to-date hard copy of staff contact details.
Remuneration for on-call work and recall to work during hazardous events. All personnel
responding in disaster situations shall be remunerated in line with Council’s Enterprise Bargaining
Agreement and Salaried Staff Award. This includes normal pay during normal business hours,
standard on-call rates and standard penalty rates for call outs or recall to work outside of normal
business hours.
4.4
Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of organisations and individuals are shown in Appendix 8.3.
4.5
Communication
Open and effective communication both within Council and with external agencies is imperative.
Landline telephones and mobile telephones must not be relied upon as the only source of
communication. Fully charged and maintained Motorola radios must be available to officers.
Communicating with the media
No statement shall be made to the media unless authorised. All communication to the media is to
be coordinated by the LDCC. Alternatively, if the LDCC is not operational, communication to the
media must be made under the authority of the Lord Mayor’s Office, Chairpersons and staff of the
Media Relations Unit, Corporate Communications. All media and public relations enquiries are to
be directed to the Senior Media and Public Relations Officer, Corporate Communications.
Communicating with the public
Dissemination of environmental health information may be required as a result of a hazardous
event. Corporate Communications will work with the Contact Centre to disseminate public
information via the LDCC and will work in conjunction with the liaison officers and the lead agents.
Distribution of environmental health information must be on the authority of the Branch Manager,
Compliance and Regulatory Services. In some instances other agencies may assume the lead role
for specific aspects of environmental health communication. Council staff should be made aware of
such communication as people will look to Council for confirmation.
Reporting arrangements
Clear and timely recording and reporting of operations during and after a hazardous event must be
ensured. To facilitate recording and reporting arrangements all Environmental Health Officers must
keep on them an Environmental Health Incident Response Log and situation reports (SITREPs).
All data from these documents is to be kept on record by the Business Manager, Environmental
Health and disseminated to the LDCC as required. All documents are to be correctly stored to
prevent loss and theft. All staff are to be advised of correct information release concerning
sensitive documents.
Inter-agency coordination
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CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
In some instances, Environmental Health Officers may be required to work with a number of
external agencies including Queensland Health and the Commonwealth Government. All activities
with other agencies must be coordinated by Brisbane LDMG and/or LDCC. Council’s chain of
command will remain in situ and the LDCC will liaise with external stakeholders.
Fatigue management
For extended hazardous events, fatigue management must be established. Fatigue management
of Environmental Health Officers will be in accordance with Brisbane Lifestyle fatigue management
protocol.
Standard operating procedures
Refer to Council’s Disaster Management SOPs located on BIMS Online – in particular the
Evacuations SOP – and the Environmental Health SOPs located on the Local Government
Toolbox website (www.lgtoolbox.qld.gov.au) and the Environmental Health Emergency Shelter
Evacuation Centre Guidebook.
Request for support
In a ‘risk to life’ situation, any officer may make a request directly to the emergency services either
in person or by phoning 000 (or 112 from mobiles) or by using the Motorola radio.
All internal requests for support are to be made through the chain of command outlined in Council’s
Local Disaster Management Plan.
All external requests for support are to be escalated to the most senior officer in the chain of
command outlined in the Plan or, where activated, to the LDCC.
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CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
5.0
REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY
Recovery is defined as the coordinated process of supporting disaster-affected communities in the
reconstruction of the physical infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, economic and
physical wellbeing.
5.1
Debriefing the Incident
On completion of the event, a debriefing should be conducted at the earliest possible time (no
more than 14 days after the event). Environmental Health Team Leaders are to gather
environmental health staff together to consolidate information contained in the Environmental
Health Incident Response Log together with any additional observations or comments.
Consolidated information is to be developed into a report that will subsequently be passed up the
chain of command for comment and stored at Business Improvement and Strategy, Environmental
Health for reviewing purposes and disseminated to the LDCC as required. While a verbal report
and debriefing may meet immediate needs, a written report of the main findings should be
prepared for record keeping and reviewing. Those involved in the debriefing are encouraged to
offer constructive criticism and recommendations for improvement. In some instances information
may be of a sensitive nature, in these instances a one-on-one debriefing may be required.
5.2
Restocking Resources
On completion of the event, all CARS personal safety kits, CARS roadside safety kits,
Environmental Health Response Teams and auxiliary regional resources are to be restocked at the
earliest available time. Senior Environmental Health Officers and Environmental Health Team
Leaders are responsible for setting up procedures to ensure items are restocked during the event
and post event.
5.3
Reviewing Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures as part of the EHSP shall be reviewed at least once each year by a
committee of appropriately qualified and experienced personnel. The committee shall, as a
minimum, consist of the Principal Officer Environmental Health, an Environmental Health Team
Leader, Business Manager Environmental Health and a representative from Council’s Disaster
Management Office. The review of policies and procedures is to be conducted in conjunction with
the review of the EHSP, either annually or after any Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4 hazardous event or
training exercise.
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CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
6.0
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 – Environmental Health Threats
Appendix 2 – Environmental Health Hazardous Events Mitigation
Appendix 3 – Environmental Health Sub-plan Roles and Responsibilities
Appendix 4 – Acronyms and Abbreviations
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CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
6.1
Appendix 1 - Environmental Health Threats
Impacts
Food
Water
Shelter
Disease
Public health
Environment
Controlled
activities
Public safety








Storm tide








Flood








Fire










Threat
Storm or
cyclone
Hazardous
material incident
Infectious
diseases
(animal)
Infectious
diseases
(human)





Pollution
incidents



Earthquakes



Loss of power


Loss of
sewerage

Loss of water
Terrorism












































Environmental health threats relevant to other work units or agencies
Water
Infectious
Disease
Refuse
Disposal
(Contractor)
Vermin and
pest control
(VAPS)
Disposal of
dead animals
(BCC FSG)
Removal of
Human
Remains (Qld
Police)
Safe Disposal of
Hazardous material
(QUU)
(Qld Health &
Biosecurity)
Storm or cyclone







Storm tide







Flood







Fire







Hazardous
material incident




Infectious
diseases (animal)
Infectious
diseases
(human)

Pollution
incidents

Earthquakes

Loss of power

(QFES & EHP)













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

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CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
Loss of sewerage



Loss of water



Terrorism







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CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
6.2
Appendix 2 – Environmental Health Hazardous Events Mitigation
ISSUE
MITIGATION
Water
Public education/information
Media release (water supply/contamination, water sources, water treatment)
EHO resources
SEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPs
Investigate, manage, monitor and control
Food
Public education/information
Media release (food preparation, hygiene, damaged foods and food donations)
EHO resources
SEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPs
Increase surveillance, inspections and implement controls
Shelter
Public education/information
Media release (access to shelters and what to bring)
EHO resources
EHO Emergency Shelter & Evacuation Centre Guidebook / SEQ ‘EHO Field
Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPs / The Red Cross
Preferred Sheltering Practices for Emergency Sheltering in Australia
Monitor and advise environmental health controls
Sanitation
Public education/information
Media release (clean and healthy living and advice following sewage
contamination)
EHO resources
SEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPs
Monitor and advise on sewage containment and disinfection.
Hygiene
Public education/information
Media release (advice to workers and affected people to prevent the spread of
disease)
EHO resources
SEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPs
Education and advice on how to practise good personal hygiene
Waste
Public education/information
Media release (waste management, siting of refuse bins and additional
arrangements)
EHO resources
SEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPs
Monitoring and advice on general and regulated waste collection and removal
options
Vermin & vectors
Public education/information
Media release (potential breeding and harbourage)
EHO resources
SEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPs
Assist/increase with vermin and vector control measures as required.
Communicable disease
control
Public education/information
Media release (targeted public information campaigns)
EHO resources
SEQ ‘EHO Field Guide to Hazardous Events’ / Environmental Health SOPs
Education and advice on quarantine and social isolation strategies to limit
impacts.
Page 13 of 17
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
6.3
Appendix 3 – Environmental Health Sub-plan Roles and Responsibilities
Organisation or Position
Roles and Responsibilities
Brisbane City Local Disaster Management Group
(Brisbane LDMG)
The Brisbane LDMG is the committee that oversees the development and implementation of Council’s Local
Disaster Management Plan.
Responsibilities:

Coordinate Council’s response and recovery efforts by ensuring an all agency approach with a high level of
cooperation,

Ensure the plan is current,

Ensure the plan is reviewed and tested and that disaster management capabilities are integrated.
Local Disaster Coordination Centre
The LDCC is the focal point for the collection, collation and dissemination of incident-related information to
relevant Council Officers and the executive and political arms of Council. Under direction from the Brisbane
LDMG, the LDCC coordinates Council’s operational activities and maintains liaison with external stakeholders.
Manager Compliance and Regulatory Services
(CARS)
Responsibilities:
City Standards Manager
Enforcement Manager
and
City
Principal Officer Environmental Health
Safety
&

Ensure the most efficient and effective use of available CARS’ resources in the event of a disaster

Work in conjunction with the LDCC and other agencies involved in disaster response to protect and
maintain the health of the community.
The City Standards Manager and City Safety and Enforcement Manager report to the Branch Manager
Compliance and Regulatory Services.
Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain strategies to ensure consistent and optimal delivery of CARS’ operational functions
across regions,

Manage the delivery of CARS’ operational functions, ensuring that Council is a fair and impartial regulator.
The Principal Officer Environmental Health reports to the Branch Manager CARS.
Responsibilities:

Coordinate and direct the human and physical environmental health resources of the CARS branch,

Maintain a register of suitably trained Environmental Health Officers in the understanding, practices and
principles of environmental health in disaster management,

Maintain an after-hours contact list of Council Environmental Health Officers (confidentiality of these is to be
ensured),

Work under the direction of the Branch Manager CARS, or their delegate, to assist with resolving
environmental health issues,
Page 14 of 17
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
Organisation or Position
Business Manager Environmental Health
Roles and Responsibilities

Regularly update the Branch Manager CARS or their delegate on environmental health disaster
management matters,

Regularly update and advise regional staff on disaster matters,

Prepare and disseminate SITREPs and briefing reports for the Branch Manager CARS and/or the LDCC.
The Business Manager is responsible for the lead, management and coordination of Environmental Health
personnel. The Business Manager reports to the City Standards Manager.
Responsibilities:

Environmental Health Team Leaders
Senior Environmental Health Officers
Environmental Health Officers
Managing the human, financial, physical and strategic resources of the Brisbane area together with
resolving complex issues.
Environmental Health Team Leaders are responsible for the management and coordination of the environmental
health team. They report to the Business Manager Environmental Health and Principal Officer Environmental
Health.
Responsibilities:

Provide suitable and timely response to any community health issues as a result of a disaster,

Prepare reports and maintain records of all environmental health issues during and following hazardous
events in their region, including the timely reporting of environmental health SITREPs as necessary,

Arrange for a staff relief roster to be drafted and implemented where events/incidents requiring ongoing
support exceed five hours,

For major events (activation level 3 and 4) work under the direction of the Principal Officer Environmental
Health to assist with resolving environmental health issues.
Senior Environmental Health Officers report to Environmental Health Team Leaders and the Principal Officer
Environmental Health.
Responsibilities:

Ensure continuity and ongoing support within their regional and program areas,

Act as an authorised officer and exercise delegated powers for legislation relevant to environmental health,

Ensure outcomes comply with relevant legislation,

Lead, assist and provide technical advice for Environmental Health Officers within their team,

Be prepared, in the event of a disaster, to assume command responsibilities as delegated.
Environmental Health Officers, during and post disaster situations, will be involved in numerous community
health situations in a practical, supervisory and advisory role.
Responsibilities:
Page 15 of 17
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
Organisation or Position
Other officers and support staff
Roles and Responsibilities

Act as an authorised officer and exercise delegated powers for legislation relevant to environmental health,

Ensure outcomes comply with relevant legislation,

Work in conjunction with numerous interested organisations and groups to achieve desired results,

Document any actions taken in their Environmental Health Incident Response Log.
Additional officers and support staff under the Compliance and Regulatory Services Branch of Council may be
utilised to provide assistance and technical advice during a hazardous event. Officers and support staff include
but are not limited to Plumbing Officers, Enforcement staff, Operational Support Officers, City Safety Officers and
Rapid Response Group (RRG) staff.
Page 16 of 17
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 8 – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SUB-PLAN (V2.1)
6.4
Appendix 4 – Acronyms and Abbreviations
BIMS
Brisbane Incident Management System
Brisbane LDMG
Brisbane City Local Disaster Management Group
CARS
Compliance and Regulatory Services
CEO
Chief Executive Officer
Council
Brisbane City Council
EHO
Environmental Health Officer
EHSP
Environmental Health Sub-plan
FSG
Field Services Group
LDC
Local Disaster Coordinator
LDCC
Local Disaster Coordination Centre
MDMO
Manager, Disaster Management Office
QFES
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
QUU
Queensland Urban Utilities
SITREP
Situation Report
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure
Page 17 of 17