EPA officer starts work at shire

THE Surf Coast Shire has a new Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria officer that will keep an eye on local pollution problems.

The shire’s EPA officer began work on October 9 and is part of a pilot program – Officers for the Protection of the Local Environment (OPLE) – that will see EPA officers work with selected councils across Victoria.

Surf Coast mayor Brian McKiterick welcomed the appointment.

“With our growing community, the program will enhance our existing services and support us to respond to local pollution issues,” Cr McKiterick said.

“The new officer aligns with our purpose – to help our community and environment to thrive.”

EPA acting chief executive officer Tim Eaton said the OPLE program will build on EPA’s existing relationships with local councils.

“While we already work closely together on many issues, having a dedicated resource through the OPLE program will mean there is faster identification and resolution of local pollution problems.

“OPLE officers will respond to pollution reports, provide information and education activities to support the prevention of pollution, and undertake proactive inspections of premises.”

The OPLE program is part of a suite of reforms that are being put in place as part of the $162.5 million reform of the environmental regulator announced in the latest Victorian budget.

The reforms will help EPA meet the challenges that come with a constantly changing economy, population and climate.

As well as Surf Coast, EPA officers have been assigned to 12 other councils around the state: Port Phillip, Casey, Greater Dandenong, Wyndham, Mildura, Greater Shepparton, Wodonga, Loddon, Buloke, Central Goldfields, Brimbank and Hobsons Bay. The successful councils were chosen from 34 which expressed interest.

For more information about the EPA, head to epa.vic.gov.au.