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 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.

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.

The City of Kalamunda Keeping and Control of Animals and Nuisance Local Law 2011 makes it an offence for owners or occupiers to allow sand or dust to be released or escape during building and/or subdivision works and allows infringement notices to be served for such offences.

Property owners or occupiers have a responsibility to prevent the escape of excessive dust and or sand from their land. Various ways that can be used include:

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.

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