Two projects, linking and enhancing parklands from Melbourne’s CBD to the
city’s outer south east have been funded through a pollution penalty placed by
EPA Victoria on Hallam Rd landfill company SITA Australia.
EPA’s Environmental Regulation director Chris Webb said the $100,000 funding
would be shared between two complementary projects.
“It is appropriate that these funds be directed to such significant projects
of direct and lasting benefit to the community and environment,” he said.
The projects, identified through EPA Victoria’s Inspiring Environmental
Projects (IES), will each receive $50,000.
Through the IES funding, Elliott Kingsfield Reserve in Lynbrook will be
improved through landscaping and tree planting, while River Gum Creek reserve
in Hampton Park will see natural waterways and bird habitats enhanced and a
series of educational signs installed.
This refreshed urban fringe environment will then be linked to the Port Philip
Bay and Western Port Bay catchments through the Living Links program.
The local neighborhood renewal committee will match funding EPA is offering and
Melbourne Water will be doing further work.
Mr Webb said IES funds originate from court ordered penalty over an
environmental offence, but are directed straight back to the community most
impacted, providing an opportunity for restorative justice to communities that
have been affected.
“These two projects are a fantastic representation of how we can help support
local initiatives designed to improve local environment through restorative
justice,” Mr Webb said.
Since 2000, and through assistance from the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and
the IES program, more than $3.5 million has been directed from almost 70
prosecutions to 80 community environment projects across the State.