Residents in 13 Victorian council areas can expect a closer eye on local pollution problems under a new program that will see Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) officers work even more closely with selected councils.
Under the $4.8 million ‘Officers for the Protection of the Local Environment’ (OPLE) pilot program funded by the Victorian State Government, EPA officers will be assigned to 13 councils around the state which expressed their interest in participating.
EPA CEO Nial Finegan said the program was part of the EPA reforms and were aimed at providing more effective regulation of environmental issues.
“EPA will be able to build on the strong relationships it has with local councils and we already work closely together on many issues, but it’s expected that having a dedicated resource through OPLE will mean faster identification and resolution of local problems which is obviously good news for residents,” he said.
“The OPLE program is part of the overall EPA reforms which will see benefits for the whole Victorian community.
“OPLEs and Council officers will respond to smaller-scale and lower risk waste and pollution complaints such as small to medium scale illegal dumping, litter, noise, dust and odour arising from smaller business and industry.
“Their duties will also include responding to complaints, information and education activities to support prevention of pollution, and proactive inspections of premises to support compliance.
“By taking a proactive, prevention based approach, we are able to work together to improve the overall condition of Victoria’s environment.”
Councils that have been successful in their expression of interest to participate in the program are:
Port Phillip, City of Casey, Greater Dandenong, Wyndham, Surf Coast, Mildura, Greater Shepparton, Wodonga, Loddon, Buloke, Central Goldfields, Brimbank and Hobsons Bay.
The successful councils were chosen from 34 which expressed interest.
EPA is Victoria’s environmental regulator and our job is to protect the environment and people by preventing and reducing harm from pollution and waste. For further information about EPA visit www.epa.vic.gov.au.
To apply for one of the ten OPLE positions go to either https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/jobs/VG-EPAOPLE
or through Seek at https://www.seek.com.au/job/34025273?type=standout&userqueryid=98d5bb902651bf24bb26777eaf6899cb-3138939