Environmental health conditions in remote and rural Aboriginal communities in Western Australia

Abstract: During 1994–1995 environmental health conditions of about 13 760 persons in 155 remote and rural Aboriginal communities in 20 local shires in Western Australia (WA) were surveyed. A semiquantitative questionnaire sought data about the communities and their services, including water supplies, power, sanitation and disposal of solid and liquid waste; a separate section dealt with conditions of individual dwellings. Data were recorded by experienced local workers. Thirty–five communities considered to have the worst conditions were evaluated on–site by a team of senior personnel in mid–1995. Environmental health problems were prevalent and often serious: over one–third of the communities had water supply or sanitation problems and 70 per cent had housing problems, with overcrowding and substandard housing being commonplace. Thirty–six per cent had difficulties with waste water disposal, 37 per cent had no rubbish disposal, and in others, the methods of disposal were often inadequate; pests were problems in 44 per cent of communities and the hygiene and maintenance of communal toilets was unacceptable in 25 per cent. Seventy–two per cent had no on–site environmental health worker and 44 per cent had no on–site or visiting medical, nursing or health worker personnel. An action plan was developed and the highest–priority communities were targeted in a program of major works (for example, housing, drainage and sewerage) and minor works, which have been commenced. The remote–area environmental health workers' program is being expanded. Increased intersectoral collaboration and enhanced community involvement in decision making have occurred as a result of this work. ( Aust N Z J Public Health 1997; 21: 511–18)