Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has welcomed a new regional manager to Victoria’s North East region.
Based in Wangaratta, Emma Knights will lead EPA’s environmental regulation functions including compliance and enforcement activity, stakeholder engagement and emergency management across the region, which takes in Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla and Greater Shepparton.
Ms Knights said she looked forward to developing partnerships across the region.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to lead EPA’s work with community, industry, government partners and other stakeholders to reduce environmental and human health risks,” she said.
“I’m very lucky to be surrounded by strong and positive EPA staff and I’m looking forward to contributing to positive environmental outcomes for the North East region.”
Ms Knights brings strong industry experience from the mining sector. Most recently, she was an Environmental Superintendent for Operations at Rio Tinto Iron Ore.
In her time at Rio Tinto, Ms Knights also worked as an Environmental Advisor for the Cape Lambert Port Operations and spent time in in West Africa advising on environmental and community matters.
In Victoria, Ms Knights has worked as an Environmental Advisor on the construction of the Goldfields superpipe project.
Ms Knights relocated her family from Perth to Wangaratta and the new role, which she started on 10 October, will see her return closer to her extended family in regional Victoria.
EPA Chief Executive Officer, Nial Finegan welcomed Ms Knights to the organisation.
“EPA regional managers play a very important role for EPA and its connection to the community and local business,” he said.