Food, Events & Trading

The Town of Port Hedland is committed to supporting local initiatives by maintaining the highest levels of food safety, and safeguarding public health.

You can submit a general enquiry through OneConnect or call our Customer Service’s team on (08) 9158 9300 weekdays between 8:00am and 3.45pm.

General Enquiry

Food Safety

From 8 December 2023, new national food safety standards apply to businesses that handle unpackaged, potentially hazardous, and ready-to-eat foods. These updates aim to improve food handling practices and reduce foodborne illnesses.

The Guide for Food Businesses on Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A outlines the requirements.

What You Need to Do

• Appoint a Food Safety Supervisor (Category One & Two businesses)
• Complete Food Handler Training – available free at health.wa.gov.au/FSMT
• Maintain Records (e.g. temperature logs, sanitising checklists) for 3 months (Category One)
• Submit training certificates to the Town’s Environmental Health Team

Registering a Food Business

Under the Food Act 2008, most food businesses must be registered with the Town before operating. This includes restaurants, cafés, home-based businesses, and temporary food stalls.

Exemptions apply to:

• Charitable/community groups preparing low-risk foods
• Businesses selling only packaged goods
• Events offering complimentary drinks
• Premises under the Commonwealth Export Control Act

Home-Based Food Businesses

Home-Based Food Businesses must only prepare low-risk foods, as home kitchens do not meet commercial food premises standards.

Temporary Food Stalls

Temporary Food Stalls are considered food businesses and must be registered and obtain a Trading in Public Places Licence to operate in publicly accessible areas.

Events and Liquor Licensing

The Liquor Control Act 1988 regulates the sale and supply of alcohol, however small private events may be exempt from licensing if they meet all the following:

• Fewer than 100 people for ≤ 2 hours; or fewer than 75 people for ≤ 4 hours; and
• Event finishes before 10:00 PM

If your event doesn’t meet these criteria, an Occasional Liquor Licence is required.

Applications

See below the list of applications you can submit through the OneConnect Portal:

• Application to Consume Alcohol on a Council Facility or Reserve
• Notification of a Food Business

• Trading in Public Places

Logon to OneConnect to start a new application, or refer to the registration page if you do not have an account.

Requests

See below the list of requests you can submit through the OneConnect Portal:

Useful Resources

Guidelines for Temporary Food Stalls

Environmental Health Guidelines for Home-based Businesses

Assessment of Businesses that Manufacture Food

Home Based Food Businesses

Exempted Food Business