EPA under the spotlight

A government advisory committee has recently been tasked to “consider the EPA’s role in protecting public health and the environment for future generations and consider how to combine its environmental protection role with economic sustainability and jobs growth.”    The inquiry is making recommendations on the EPA’s role, powers, governance, funding and tools.

According to the Victorian Waste Management Association, the inquiry has ‘sensibly suggested a range of measures to streamline the EPA, preserving and rebuilding its scientific capability and making it an equal partner in planning issues where waste infrastructure are involved’.

Of particular interest is the funding model that is required to support the EPA long term.  There is much uncertainty when the amount they receive from the landfill levy has remained static despite increased disposal rates.  Continually increasing the levy has not dramatically improved household recycling but has led to increased illegal dumping.  We support the view that the Government must redesign the landfill levy to achieve its original intent.  There is currently $400 million in reserves from the landfill levy.  This is money that should go back to industry as commercial interests continually look to be more sustainable and efficient in their processes.

We encourage the Government to consult widely on all recommendations.  We do not want to see increased unnecessary regulation or a duplication of powers, but a pragmatic and practical adoption of some best practice measures and improvements.