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Public Health

A Public health risk can be anything that is, or likely to be hazardous to human health, or something that contributes to, or is likely to contribute to disease in humans or the transmission of an infectious condition to humans. 

WTA only has jurisdiction to act on certain public health risk issues described under the Public Health Act 2005. We share the responsibility for public health risks with other Government bodies.  

Examples of public health risks that WTA regulates include:

  • Rats and mice;
  • Mosquitoes (vectors);
  • Asbestos (homeowners, occupants or owner-builders only).  

Examples of public health risks that WTA cannot regulate include:

  • Handling, removal and transportation of asbestos material by a business or contractor. Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General’s Office. Phone: 1300 369 915.
  • Mould. Queensland Health, Tropical Public Health Services Cairns. Phone: 07 4226 5555.
  • Rainwater tanks, Queensland Health, Tropical Public Health Services Cairns. Phone: 07 4226 5555.

Public health risk complaints

The information below is designed to help residents reduce public health risks and comply with requirements of the Act.  

In the event of an issue or concern, first attempt to discuss the issue with the person responsible for the nuisance. Make sure you give them an appropriate time frame to do something about it.  

If the situation hasn't changed after some time, it may be necessary to contact the appropriate authority.  

Asbestos

If you believe a homeowner, occupant or owner-builder is unsafely handling, removing or transporting asbestos material, or a person has illegally dumped asbestos waste, please contact WTA on 07 4030 9400.  

If you believe a business or contractor is unsafely handling, removing or transporting asbestos material please phone the Queensland Department of Justice and the Attorney-General (Workplace Health and Safety Queensland) on 1300 369 915.  

Further information can be found on the Queensland Health website.

Infestations by rats and mice

The Public Health Act 2005 allows WTA to investigate and regulate complaints regarding infestations of rats and mice (including the harboring of rats and mice).

If you have a complaint about a property, please contact WTA on 07 4030 9400. Your complaint will be handled confidentially, but you will be required to provide identifying information. 

Pests and weeds

For information on declared pest plants and weeds, please visit the Biosecurity Queensland website.