Greater Shepparton’s new EPA officer, Heath Robison began work on Monday 25 September and is part of a pilot program, Officers for the Protection of the Local Environment’ (OPLE), that will see EPA officers work with selected councils across Victoria.
EPA Acting CEO Tim Eaton said the OPLE program will build on EPA’s existing relationships with local councils.
“While we already work closely together on many issues, having a dedicated resource through the OPLE program will mean there is faster identification and resolution of local pollution problems,” Mr Eaton said.
“OPLE officers will respond to pollution reports, provide information and education activities to support the prevention of pollution, and undertake proactive inspections of premises.
Officer Robison’s role is to assist with issues and matters that cross over between Council and the EPA. He will be working with Council’s Environmental Health, Planning, Local Laws and Waste departments and previously worked with Council.
Greater Shepparton City Council Director Sustainable Development, Johann Rajaratnam said he was pleased that Council was chosen to be part of the pilot program. “The support of the EPA on local issues will be valuable in that reports can be dealt with more quickly with someone based at Council.”
“Heath’s experience in and understanding of local laws, animal management and works will certainly be an asset for operational matters that he needs to deal with and of great benefit to the community.”
The OPLE program is part of a suite of reforms that are being put in place as part of the $162.5 million reform of EPA announced in the latest Victorian Budget. The reforms will help EPA meet the challenges that come with a constantly changing economy, population and climate.
EPA officers have been assigned to 13 councils around the state, including Port Phillip, 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 whose job it 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.
