Council Finder, Find Your Local Food Safety Council

A Council Finder is a free tool where you enter your suburb or council name and get your local council along with information about registering a food business and how inspections work in that area. Food businesses in Australia register or notify their local council, so this tells you who to deal with. Its purpose is to remove the guesswork of finding the right council and understanding the first steps to getting your food business approved to trade. You can use the on-page result and download a summary as a free PDF. When to use it: When opening a new venue and you need to know which council to register with.. Before starting a fit-out, so you understand approval steps early.. When moving or opening a second site in a different local government area.. When you are unsure who to contact about a food safety or inspection question.. When preparing to notify or register a food business for the first time.. How to use it: Enter your suburb or council name into the finder. Review your matched local council and its food business information. Read the registration and inspection details provided for your area. Download the free PDF summary to keep the council contact and steps handy. Contact your council directly to confirm current requirements and start registration. Which council do I register my food business with? You register with the local council for the area where your food premises is located. This tool matches your suburb to that council so you know exactly who to contact to notify or register your business. Why do I need to register with my council? Food businesses must register or notify their local council before trading so the council can assess your risk, approve your premises and schedule inspections. Trading without registering can lead to enforcement action. What does the council inspection involve? A council environmental health officer checks that you comply with the Food Standards Code, covering temperature control, cleaning, hygiene, pest management, food storage and record keeping. Inspection frequency depends on your risk level and history. How do I register a food business with my council? Most councils have a food business notification or registration form, often online, that you complete before you start trading, sometimes alongside a premises approval. This tool points you to your council so you can follow their exact process. Does registration cost anything? Fees vary between councils and by business type, so check the current amounts directly with your local council. This tool helps you find the right council, but you should confirm any fees and forms with them. How can FoodSafety HQ help after I find my council? Once you know your council and its expectations, FoodSafety HQ can help you put the required systems in place digitally, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, checklists and audit records, ready for your first inspection.