Health Services

Animal Control

Aurukun Shire Council supports responsible pet ownership.

It is better to have a smaller number of dogs that are well cared for, rather than a larger number that are poorly cared for. De-sexing is important for a number of reasons. Most importantly, it reduces the number of unwanted dogs in the future. Dogs that are de-sexed also tend to be better behaved. They are less inclined to wander and get into fights. De-sexed dogs are also healthier. Dogs that are not de-sexed have a higher chance of wounds from fighting and a much higher chance of getting cancers as they get older.

Temporary de-sexing can be achieved through injection. Permanent de-sexing is achieved through surgery. Aurukun Shire Council engages a qualified vet to visit every two to three months, and de-sexing of pets is free for indigenous residents.

Parasite control is important not only for the health of pets, but also public health. Residents are encouraged to purchase flea and tick collars to discourage fleas and ticks. Council officers are able to provide regular chemical treatments for internal and external parasites including worms, fleas, ticks and mange.

Council Regulations

Each household on land of 450 square metres is normally only permitted to own two dogs. Special application may be made to the council if residents believe they have reasonable grounds to own more.

Control of dogs is required under council regulations. In public places, dogs should be on leashes. Aggressive dogs must be confined to the owner’s properties or otherwise suitably restrained.

Approved Inspection Programs

Further details can be obtained by contacting the Animal Control Officer at Animal.Control@aurukun.gov.qld.au or the Aurukun Shire Council office.

Registration fees

Registration of dogs is required under council regulations. Registration fees are as follows:

  • Dogs de-sexed permanently by surgery – FREE
  • Dogs de-sexed temporarily by injection – FREE
  • Dogs not de-sexed – $40.00

Pensioner’s Discount of 50% applies to these registration fees.

Waste Disposal

The Aurukun tip is located approximately 3km outside of the town entry. It is maintained by the Aurukun Shire Council and regularly inspected by the Environmental Health Officers from Council and from Queensland Health. Waste is buried regularly and contamination issues are controlled by ongoing maintenance of the site.

Environmental Health

Council currently engages Cook Shire Council to undertake authorised inspections of licensed food premises.

New businesses requiring a Food License are required to complete an Food Licensing Application and pay the required fee as per the ASC Schedule of Fees and Charges.  Licenses are renewed each year.

Licensed Food premises are also encouraged to ensure staff are appropriately trained in Safe Food Handling.  This accredited training is conducted from time to time in Aurukun.  Volunteers and community groups who conduct fund raising and community events are also encouraged to practise safe food handling.  Food Safety Resource Kits are available from the ASC Council office.  Queensland Health also provides information at https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/industry-environment/food-safety

All other environmental health matters in relation to water supply and waste management, should be referred to the Director of Technical Services  PH 4060 6826.