enHealth Council - Strategy & Implementation Plan

Environmental Health Systems - Health Impact Assessment

Health Impact Assessment Guidelines

The Health Impact Assessment Guidelines were commission by the Department of Health and Ageing and published in September 2001 by the enHealth Council

The critical link between human health and our surroundings is highlighted in the National Environmental Health Strategy (1999). There is overwhelming evidence that development can have a beneficial effect on health and wellbeing; through the creation of employment, promotion of economic advancement and providing circumstances which can improve living standards.

Development can also have adverse effects through problems such as noise, water and air pollution, and increased risks of injury and disease transmission.

Purpose

These Guidelines aim to promote and enhance the incorporation of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) into environmental and planning impact assessment generally, thereby improving the consideration of health issues.

In particular, they seek to provide those involved in impact assessment across all levels of government and developers, along with their advisors, with an introduction to HIA and general guidance on the key steps involved.

Audience

This document is primarily intended to be used by Public Health professionals and members of the non-health sectors involved in development, including developers and regulators.

You can access the publication by clicking on the following link

http://enhealth.nphp.gov.au/council/pubs/pdf/hia_guidelines.pdf

If you would like to obtain a hard copy of this publication call: 1800 020 103 or email: phd.publications@health.gov.au

Implementation Plan Projects Currently Underway

Part I

The inclusion of Health Impact Assessment in Environmental Impact Assessments, using best-practice guidelines.

Part II

The inclusion of Health Impact Assessment in Environmental Impact Assessments, using best-practice guidelines.

Issue: Health Impact Assessment - Part I

Need Addressed (as identified in the National Environmental Health Strategy Implementation Plan):

The inclusion of Health Impact Assessment in Environmental Impact Assessments, using best-practice guidelines.

Jurisdiction: Queensland Health on behalf of enHealth Council

Projects:

Review of Literature of Health Impacts of Intensive Animal Husbandry

Contact Officers:

Geoff Davis
Environmental Health Section

Contact Details:

Ph (02) 6289 8415 geoff.davis@health.gov.au

Issue: Health Impact Assessment - Part II

Need Addressed (as identified in the National Environmental Health Strategy Implementation Plan):

The inclusion of Health Impact Assessment in Environmental Impact Assessments, using best-practice guidelines.

Jurisdiction: Tasmania

Projects:

Development and implementation of Health Impact Assessment legislation and associated Guidelines.

Contact Officers:

Martin Bicevskis, Sen Medical Officer (Occupational and Environmental Health)

Contact Details:

Ph 03 6233 2898
martin.bicevskis@dhhs.tas.gov.au