Public & Environmental Health

Asbestos containing material is commonly found in WA in older homes and buildings with the most common form being asbestos cement, such as ‘fibro’ housing panels and fibrous fencing, where the asbestos fibres have been mixed with cement to provide strength.

Find out more about Asbestos here

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) oversee the management and classification of a classified site. This is done in collaboration with the Department of Health to evaluate the contamination, assess risks to the public and environment, and determine any necessary remediation actions.

For more information on contaminated sites and to find out what the City of Kalamunda is doing, please read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Throughout construction and development works it is inevitable that dust and sand will be emitted. Unfortunately, not all emissions can be prevented particularly with the easterly winds that are experienced along the scarp in summer. There are some instances however when the dust or sand emissions may become excessive, and this is when the action should be taken. In the first instance it is recommended to contact those completing the works directly to seek a resolution. For larger development works, notifications with contact numbers are normally provided to nearby residents. If a resolution cannot be reached with those undertaking the works, then please complete a Health Investigation Request form. so the City can investigate.

The City of Kalamunda Keeping and Control of Animals and Nuisance Local Law 2011 states that land owners or occupiers must take reasonable and effective measures to prevent the escape of sand and dust from a site. To meet the expectations of the local law, a dust management plan must be prepared and approved by the City prior to commencement of works. This plan should be in accordance with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation ‘A guideline for managing the impacts of dust and associated contaminants from land development sites remediation and other related activities (2011)’. An approved dust management plan must be fully implemented for the duration of works.

Some dust management measures to consider within a dust management plan include but are not limited to:

1. Wind fencing: Use of wind barriers provides protection against the movement and impact of dust on nearby residents and land uses.
2. Water use: Providing sprinklers or a reticulation system to suppress the dust. This method is less effective during warm and windy conditions.
3. Hydro mulching: This is a preferred method for controlling dust as it is not affected by evaporation.
4. Chemical stabilization: Chemicals stabilizers work by binding small soil particles resulting in a strong surface sealant. The stabilized areas should be protected from traffic access and the manufacturer’s label directions should be used.
5. Covering all piles of sand or other building material.

Developers are advised to comply with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation ‘A guideline for managing the impacts of dust and associated contaminants from land development sites remediation and other related activities (2011)’

If you are having ongoing problems with dust or sand drift please complete and return the Health Investigation Request Form.

The City of Kalamunda prides itself on maintaining a village atmosphere, and this includes allowing the keeping of animals such as, poultry, sheep and other large animals. However, in order to ensure that neighbouring properties are not unduly affected by noise, odour or other potential problems, guidelines and local laws have been developed.

Find out more about keeping animals here

Unwanted or unreasonable noise can have a significant impact on the amenity of the area. There is state legislation controlling the level of noise to which you can be exposed. These laws also restrict the way certain noisy equipment can be used.

If you are experiencing an unreasonable level of noise from a neighbouring property, please read our information on Neighbourhood Noise before discussing the issue with your neighbour.

Find out more about noise here

It is a normal part of life to experience a small number of pests around the home. When the population of a pest species increases significantly it can become a nuisance and possibly a health issue. Many of these pests can be dealt with by the householders following some simple steps.

Find more information and control options for some of these pests from Our City Environment section.

The City of Kalamunda’s Annual Mosquito Control Program commences annually from October through to March. This program follows the City's Mosquito Management Plan (MMP) which is an overarching document that describes all aspects of the City’s management program, such as monitoring mosquito populations through trapping, draining and baiting stormwater gullies to prevent larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes and much more.

Mosquito breeding poses a very serious health risk, an increased mosquito population heightens the risk of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases such as Ross River Virus. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water sources, removing access to these sources can significantly reduce mosquito numbers.

Within the backyard the following steps will help reduce mosquito numbers:

• cleaning gutters to prevent pooling.
• removing items which retain water such as tyres and buckets.
• regularly replacing water in pet water bowls, bird baths and pot plant trays.
• keeping swimming pools chlorinated.
• keeping ponds stocked with mosquito eating fish and keeping edges free of vegetation.
• screening rainwater tanks with insect proof mesh including inlet, overflow, and inspection pipes.

 Steps you can take to protect yourself from mosquito bites;

• Use insect repellent.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Ensure that steps are taken to prevent mosquitos from entering the home for example screen windows and doors.

Smoke from burning contributes to air pollution in a locality and can be both unpleasant and a risk to health at sufficiently high levels of exposure. At lower levels it may cause problems for people with respiratory problems and the very young and elderly. If you experience smoke nuisance you should first consider approaching your neighbour to discuss the matter with them.

Residents may burn dry green waste on their property when the fire ban is lifted (usually between April and November) but need to comply with the Health Act and ensure that they are not creating a smoke nuisance.

For more information please refer to our Guidelines on Minimising Smoke

If you are experiencing smoke related problems which are occurring now, please contact us on (08) 9257 9999 to arrange an inspection by an Environmental Health Officer. If the problem is recurring or ongoing, please complete and return the Health Investigation Request Form.

A vibrant and active footpath and verge area has a positive impact on commercial centres and on the viability of local businesses. Carefully planned and well managed footpath and verge trading areas, including outdoor dining, street trading, and product display areas, can activate and energise the street environment. However it is important that the limited available space along footpaths is used in a way that does not compromise pedestrian access and safety.

The City of Kalamunda have developed a downloadable guideline to support the safety of all road users and set requirements for footpath and verge trading activities.

Download Footpath and Verge Trading Guideline