EPA Victoria
| EPA | |
Environment Protection Authority logo
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 An air monitoring station adjacent to Alphington railway station |
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| Agency overview | |
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| Formed | 1 July 1971 |
| Jurisdiction | Victoria, Australia |
| Headquarters | 200 Victoria Street, Carlton, 3053 |
| Employees | 600 approx |
| Annual budget | approx $100m pa |
| Agency executive |
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| Parent agency | Victorian State Government |
| Website | www.epa.vic.gov.au |
Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA)
The EPA’s role is one of both prevention and response relevant to reducing the harmful effects caused to the environment by pollution. During emergency events EPA provides expert advice to emergency services. The EPA is called on regularly to respond to pollution incidents, such as industrial spills, and natural disasters, such as bush fires or floods. During bushfire season, the EPA provides advice and forecasting on the impacts of bushfire smoke.
The EPA also monitors compliance with the Environment Protection Act. In line with current international regulatory practice, the EPA adopts a ‘risk based’ regulatory approach. This means that it allocates resources where the greatest difference can be made regarding potential harm to the environment and the likelihood of non-compliance.
EPA aspires to create a healthy environment that supports a liveable and prosperous Victoria. By effectively regulating pollution in Victoria, EPA is striving to deliver clean air, healthy waterways, safe land, and minimal disturbances from noise and odour for Victorians.
The EPA is currently under review by the state government. The Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) for the independent Inquiry into the Environment Protection Authority delivered its report to the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water on 31 March 2016. The Government's response is expected mid 2016.
On Monday 16 May 2016 the Government released the MAC report which makes 48 recommendations to set the EPA up for the next generation. http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-step-towards-a-modern-epa/
On 17 January 2017 the Victorian State Government released its response to the Independent Inquiry into the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
The government response commits to a once-in-a-generation transformation of the EPA to equip it for the future. A modernised environment protection framework with increased resourcing will ensure that the EPA can continue to protect the health of Victorians, our environment and our world-recognised liveability as Victoria's population continues to grow.
The government response supports in full 40 of the 48 recommendations, with seven supported in principle, and one supported in part.
Legislative changes to modernise EPA's governance and overhaul the Environment Protection Act 1970 will be introduced in 2017 and 2018. These will strengthen the EPA's independence and scientific expertise, and deliver certainty, and consistent and efficient regulation for industry. In particular, there will be a landmark shift of approach to preventing harm to the health of Victorians and our environment.
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