A Central Queensland woman is hoping to change the perception of environmental health by training up professionals for the industry.

From investigating the biodegradation of pesticides in mangrove sediments to researching the management of fungal toxins in Australian maize crops, Central Queensland University's Lisa Bricknell has a wealth of experience in the buzz area of environmental health.

She has worked in both state and local government for more than 11 years and was involved in a Cabinet-funded joint research project designing a management system for environmental health hazards in government premises.

Ms Bricknell will next year head up a new program for CQU, the Bachelor of Environmental Health. The program has been designed due to the high demand for environmental health officers (EHOs) in government and private enterprises throughout regional Queensland.

Both the Australian Institute of Environmental Health and the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organisation of Councils have directly approached CQU to develop a program to meet the demand for qualified EHOs.

Both groups have raised concerns about the small number of professionals expected to graduate in coming years and the need for an externally available program in Queensland.

"I'm really excited about this. Developing and coordinating an environmental health degree is something I've wanted to do for many years now. It's a fascinating field - it requires a real mix of skills in science, health, problem solving, law and even some detective work," Ms Bricknell explained.

The program will incorporate courses in water quality management, environmental science, microbiology, disease control, food safety and environmental toxicology as well as in law, OHS and health promotion.

"Most graduates of the program will find work in local and state government - primarily enforcing legislation, public health planning, community education and investigation. There are also positions available in the military, particularly the army and air force."

Environmental Health is among a list of new undergraduate programs being offering by CQU in 2008. The new programs include Bachelor of Music (specialisation), Bachelor of Performing Arts (specialisation), Associate Diploma of Creative Enterprise, Diploma of Creative Enterprise, Diploma and Associate Diploma of Learning Design, Associate Diploma of Workplace, Health and Safety, Bachelor of Financial Planning and Bachelor of Engineering Technology (specialisation).

For more information about these programs call 1300 360 444 or visit the QTAC website http://www.qtac.edu.au/