Mareeba Shire Council’s soil laboratory has been making a positive environmental impact since gaining NATA accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 in 1994.
We spoke to Senior Soil Technician, Paul Patane about the Council’s accreditation journey over the last 30-years for its soil testing activities which, due to their NATA accreditation, they deliver to the highest standards.
“In the beginning NATA helped us to secure accreditation in time for a major construction job,” said Paul. “Without accreditation, the Council would have faced significant costs outsourcing testing services. Instead, we were able to keep the work local, saving both time and money while ensuring the highest quality results for the Shire.”
NATA accreditation has been crucial for the Council, providing significant benefits including the provision of its testing services to external customers.
“NATA accreditation has always given our clients confidence in the work being carried out,” added Paul. “Indeed, NATA’s support was crucial when we needed to extend our scope of accreditation and the associated areas we have to implement and demonstrate.”
Paul believes NATA’s support goes beyond day-to-day activities.
“In 2021 when COVID-19 restrictions made on-site assessments impossible, our laboratory successfully underwent a remote reassessment — a feat and agile response made possible by NATA’s dedication to maintaining high standards no matter the challenges,” said Paul. “It was an amazing effort, especially considering our location and limited Wi-Fi.”
Mareeba Shire Council’s laboratory has a long history of supporting both the local community and private clients. Indeed, in July 1994, the Council officially approved the laboratory for private testing, allowing for the provision of high-quality testing services to external customers across the region.
“This move helped businesses and individuals access reliable testing services without having to source them from further afield,” added Paul.
“Maintaining NATA accreditation means a great deal to a small Shire like Mareeba and it’s testament to the quality of work we do and the value we provide to the community.”
