MAV Environment Conference

Changes, new initiatives and directions - councils’ environmental obligations in 2014 and beyond

EPA is a risk based regulator

Top 6 Priorities - Find the big problems and fix them

Landfills

Encroachment

Stockpiling (Tyres)

Organics

Stormwater

Contaminated Environments

Encroachment

Residential development close to industry leads to a range of negative impacts on residents such as: •Noise•Odour •Dust

Landfills

Landfills pose a risk to the environment when in operation and long after they are closed

Stockpiling (Tyres)

Tyre stockpiles are increasing in both number and size in Victoria.

What We’ve Heard From You

•Compliance and Enforcement interactions (as recipient)

•Compliance and Enforcement interactions (shared)

•Licenses and approvals

1. 87% understand EPA’s role in the regulatory framework 2. 85% are aware of the opportunities to participate in consultations around

setting standards3. 78% see a clear benefit in participating in EPA activities4. 21% are totally satisfied (41% somewhat) with the opportunities to participate

in decision making around EPA policy 5. 65% agree to some extent that EPA provides access to expert advice from

EPA6. 46% agree to some extent that EPA supports them to build capacity in areas

of shared responsibility

Working Together

The PLANNING AUTHORITY 

A PEER REGULATOR

A DUTY-HOLDER under the EP Act 

An ADVOCATE FOR RATEPAYERS

An ASSET OWNER 

A CUSTOMER (When you report pollution)

A STRATEGIC PARTNER 

 

EPA and Local Government play of different roles together

Approvals Reform - Assessment Pathway

Fast Track Works

ApprovalExemption

Approvals Proposal Form & Pathway

RD&DStandard

Works Approval

Pathway Guideline

Works Approval FormWorks Approval Guideline

Audit Reform

Image here: Something is coming from the audit team (Tamara)

Working together

• EPA has a top 6 environment priorities we will be focussed on.

• Actions will continue under the Audit and Approvals reform projects.

• Local government works across everything we do – it is the most complex and most important stakeholder group for the EPA.

• Opportunities to strengthen our relationship.