By Tate Papworth
A pilot program introduced last year as part of the EPA reforms to provide more effective regulation of environmental issues will continue.
The $4.8 million Officers for the Protection of the Local Environment (OPLE) program was launched last year for an initial 15-month period.
Under the program, EPA officers were assigned to 13 councils around the state. Brimbank council and Hobsons Bay currently share an OPLE officer who responds to smaller-scale and lower-risk waste and pollution complaints, including illegal dumping, litter, noise, dust and odours from smaller business and industry.
Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice welcomed the news that the program will be extended to July 2019.
“Brimbank has been advocating for the program to continue, as it’s helping to speed up the resolution of local environmental problems,” Cr Giudice said.
“Earlier this year council wrote to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio to advocate for continued funding of the OPLE program, including funding for the officer at Brimbank City Council.
“In the months since the OPLE program has been active for Brimbank, the OPLE officer has been making headway in investigating smaller-scale environmental issues and has issued multiple clean-up notices to businesses.
“Brimbank council views the OPLE program as an important step in building stronger relationships between the EPA and councils, and in speeding up the resolution of local environmental problems.”
Cr Giudice said the council hoped the initiative would be made permanent.
“Brimbank has invested significant time and resources to ensure the OPLE officer role is effective and achieves good environmental outcomes for our community.
“Brimbank would certainly welcome a state government decision to permanently introduce the program,” she said.
Members of the public can report pollution to the EPA’s 24-hour hotline 1300 372 842.
