Public Health
Public Health Act 2010 (NSW)
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) was applied to Norfolk Island law in 2018. The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) regulates risk to public health including; the sale of food, provision of private water supply, the use of public swimming pools and spas, legionella control and skin penetration.
The following Norfolk Island legislation also apply to Norfolk Island and include matters regarding public health:
- Public Health Act 1996
- Health Act 1913 (septic tanks, water quality, etc)
- Health Regulations
- Environment Act 1990
Public Health Legislation on Norfolk Island is regulated by the Waste and Environment team at Council who are responsible for the following areas:
Sale of Food
Council undertake inspections and issue licences to any business for the sale of food. Under the Sale of Food Act 1950 there are certain conditions regarding the premises where food is manufactured, prepared, packed, kept or served. A Sale of Food Application and inspection must be completed each calendar year.
Water Supply Quality Assurance Program (QAP)
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) affects private water suppliers and distributors on Norfolk Island. Private water suppliers are anyone who supplies drinking water in the course of a commercial undertaking, where the water is not sourced from a water utility. Norfolk Island does not have a reticulated water supply meaning that all commercial operators are considered private water suppliers. For example: cafes, restaurants, tourist accommodation, ice manufacturers and water carters.
To mitigate risk to public health businesses are required to complete a Water Supply QAP form. Links for further information and for relevant forms can be found below.
Norfolk Island QAP flowchart_v1.pdf
Norfolk QAP-template_Bore water_v3.docx
Norfolk QAP-template_rain and bore water_v3.docx
Norfolk QAP-template_rain water_v3.1.docx
Norfolk QAP-template_surface water_v3.docx
Norfolk QAP-template_water carters_v3.docx
For more information on and NSW private water supply guidelines visit link https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Publications/private-water-supply-guidelines.pdf(link is external)
Slaughterhouse
Licencing and compliance of a slaughterhouse or place for slaughtering stock under the Slaughtering Act 1913 is managed by the Waste and Environment team at Council.
Slaughterhouse Application Form
Sale of Tobacco
Sale of Tobacco 2004 regulates the sale of tobacco products, to provide a smoke free environment and for related advertising and display purposes.
Sale of Tobacco Application Form
On-site Wastewater Management Systems
On-site wastewater management systems are any private systems that treat wastewater and greywater from domestic and commercial operations. It is important that before a wastewater system is implemented or altered that the Waste and Environment Team at council is consulted and an application form is completed.
Application to Construct Erect or Alter a Permitted Sanitary Facility.pdf
For more information in relation to public health legislation applicable to Norfolk Island contact Customer Care on +6723 22244 or customercare@nirc.gov.nf(link sends e-mail)
Public Pools and Spas
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) has applied to Norfolk Island since since 1 November 2018. The Act regulates the use of public swimming pools and spas. These are defined as swimming pools or spas to which the public is admitted, whether free of charge, on payment of a fee or otherwise, including those:
- to which the public is admitted through membership of a club;
- provided at a workplace for use by employees;
- provided at a hotel, motel or gueshouse or at holidays units, or in a similar facility, for the use of guests; and
- provided at a school or hospital.
Under the Act, public swimming pool and spa operators / owners are required to:
- ensure that the pool or spa is not used unless the water is disinfected in such a way as to minimise the transmission of disease;
- ensure that the pool surrounds, toilets and change rooms are kept clean and in such condition as to miniminse the transmission of disease';
- apply for registration of a public swimming pool or spa with Norfolk Island Regional Council;
- regularly maintain their filtration and disinfection system; and
- keep a log of the chlorine and pH levels.
The relevant forms can ben found at:
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