Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has welcomed a new regional manager to Victoria’s Gippsland region.
Based in Traralgon, Stephen Lansdell will lead EPA’s environmental regulation functions including compliance and enforcement activity, stakeholder engagement and emergency management across the region, which includes East Gippsland, South Gippsland, West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.
Mr Lansdell said he 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,” he said.
“The Gippsland community is very proud of their environment and region. They really care about it and understand the important role it plays for them individually and Victoria as a whole.”
“In particular, the recent meeting of the Latrobe Valley air monitoring co-design panel really put on display how much the community cares about their environment and how much they want to make a difference.”
Made up of 36 community members, the co-design panel is currently designing a future air monitoring network for the Latrobe Valley.
“I’m very lucky to be surrounded by a strong and positive EPA team who also know their environment and community intimately. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead, and contributing to positive environmental outcomes for Gippsland.”
Mr Lansdell brings a wealth of experience from across EPA, having worked at the organisation for 11 years, managing areas covering policy, approvals, and regional operations across the state.
Most recently, he led EPA’s Specialist Regulatory Services Unit, which provides specialist technical oversight to EPA’s regulation of landfills, contaminated sites and major industries.
Having helped build EPA’s Major Industries team and a more rigorous and preventive Major Industries Assessment program, Mr Lansdell said he looked forward to continuing to deliver this constructive program with many important industries in the Gippsland region.
EPA Chief Executive Officer, Nial Finegan welcomed Mr Lansdell to the role and Gippsland region.
“EPA regional managers play a very important role for EPA and its connection to the community and local business,” he said.
PHOTO: EPA Gippsland Regional Manager, Stephen Lansdell (centre) at a Latrobe Valley air monitoring community co-design panel session.