LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (15:15): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for State/Local Government Relations a question about public and environmental health initiatives by local government authorities.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: Local councils play an important role in protecting the health of the community through the work of their public and environmental health officers. Will the minister inform this council of initiatives being undertaken by local government bodies in this area?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (15:15): Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Local Government Association's AGM at which I was pleased to present the Public and Environmental Health Council of the Year awards. These awards, developed by the Public and Environmental Health Council, recognise excellence in the field of environmental health in local government and are sponsored by SA Health and the LGA. As the honourable member noted, local councils play a vital role in looking after the health of the community through the great work of their public and environmental health officers.

Over the years we have made many gains, such as better monitoring of public and environmental health issues and in proactive work, to bring about a healthier community. During the judging of the awards it was decided that a number of councils warranted special recognition for the excellent environmental health services they provide to their communities. The following councils were awarded a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of their achievements: in the metropolitan category, the cities of Charles Sturt, West Torrens, Marion and Mitcham; and in the regional category, the Barossa Council, in unincorporated areas (administered by the Regional Services Section of the Department of Health), the District Council of Mount Barker and the City of Mount Gambier.

It is encouraging to see the number and diversity of organisations recognised for their excellence. I understand that it was very difficult for the judging panel to decide amongst the four remaining councils short-listed for the awards as all displayed great initiative and progress in the areas of education and the promotion of public and environmental health. The winner of this year's Metropolitan Public and Environmental Health Council of the Year Award was the Adelaide Hills Council, which has excelled in a number of key health-related activities, including monitoring, health promotion and social inclusion planning.

As the catchment for much of the metropolitan and Adelaide water supply is within the Adelaide Hills Council area, the council has a significant task to ensure that proper standards of public and environmental health are maintained, particularly in relation to wastewater treatment systems. To achieve this, the internationally renowned Mount Lofty Ranges Waste Control Project was developed under the stewardship of the council's Environmental Health Unit to address the substantial health risks associated with failing on-site wastewater control systems. This program continues to be a national and international model for managing wastewater systems in sensitive environments.

For the regional category, the winner of the Council of the Year was the Alexandrina Council. Since the inception of this award, the Alexandrina Council has been consistently nominated and often judged the winner of this award in the regional category. The Alexandrina Council has an outstanding commitment to serving its community through its various social, cultural and environmental initiatives outlined in the council's comprehensive Public and Environmental Health Management Plan. Through its Fleurieu Families program, the Alexandrina Council has demonstrated its commitment to improving health outcomes for socially disadvantaged groups.

Programs such as these—combined with considered, risk-based responses to public and environmental health challenges—typify the forward thinking and holistic approach to public and environmental health practice of the Alexandrina Council. I congratulate both winners and all those with a special commendation.