THE Surf Coast Shire has a new Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria officer that will keep an eye on local pollution problems.<\/p>\n
The shire\u2019s EPA officer began work on October 9 and is part of a pilot program \u2013 Officers for the Protection of the Local Environment (OPLE) \u2013 that will see EPA officers work with selected councils across Victoria.<\/p>\n
Surf Coast mayor Brian McKiterick welcomed the appointment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith our growing community, the program will enhance our existing services and support us to respond to local pollution issues,\u201d Cr McKiterick said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe new officer aligns with our purpose \u2013 to help our community and environment to thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n
EPA acting chief executive officer Tim Eaton said the OPLE program will build on EPA\u2019s existing relationships with local councils.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cOPLE officers will respond to pollution reports, provide information and education activities to support the prevention of pollution, and undertake proactive inspections of premises.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The reforms will help EPA meet the challenges that come with a constantly changing economy, population and climate.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For more information about the EPA, head to epa.vic.gov.au.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Surf Coast Shire has a new Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria officer that will keep an eye on local pollution problems. The shire\u2019s EPA officer began work on October 9 and is part of a pilot program \u2013 Officers for the Protection of the Local Environment (OPLE) \u2013 that will see EPA officers work […]<\/p>\n