A program aimed at empowering the Latrobe Valley community to actively participate in environmental protection is underway.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria has begun meeting with various groups across the region to brainstorm ideas and help shape the future direction and implementation of the Citizen Science program.
The Citizen Science program relies on local volunteers to monitor water, air and other environmental data and share their findings.
EPA Chief Executive Officer Nial Finegan said the program allowed members of the community to actively contribute to the protection of their own environment.
"Citizen Science programs are set up all over the world and involve dedicated volunteers that are keen to contribute to environmental matters," he said.
"Local interest from the Latrobe Valley community has been strong and EPA has met with a range of individuals and community groups keen to share their ideas and suggestions about what they want out of the program."
"The outcomes of these engagement sessions should lead to an informed and empowered community who can participate in decision making and environmental protection."
Local groups EPA has already met with include the Crinigan Road Bushland Reserve Committee, the First Morwell Scouts, the Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group and Latrobe Valley U3A.
Suggestions so far have included teaching community members how to carry out their own air and water quality testing and including a frog census count, carried out by Commercial Road Primary School students, into the program.
Those interested in being part of the Citizen Science Program are encouraged to visit EPA’s stall at the Spring Sustainability Festival in Morwell this Saturday, 29 November from 9am til 2pm, or contact EPA at contact@epa.vic.gov.au or on 1300 372 842