Partnerships and projects
The Victorian Government’s commitment to red tape reduction
In 2006, the Victorian Government committed to cutting the existing administrative burden of regulation by 15 percent by 1 July 2009, and by 25 percent by 1 July 2011.
The administrative burden of regulation - known as ‘red tape’ - is the cost imposed on business by requirements to demonstrate compliance with the regulation. Examples include the completing of application forms, reporting, and assisting with inspections by regulators.
More about the Victorian Government's commitment to red tape reduction
Brian Robinson Fellowship for Environmental Sustainability
In recognition of the contribution of Dr Brian Robinson's (AM) to the State of Victoria, the State Government has established a fellowship to nurture young people making a significant contribution to the future sustainability of Victoria. The fellowship will be awarded through the Brian Robinson Foundation.
Channel deepening project – Port Phillip Bay
The channel deepening project will deepen sections of the shipping channels to the Port of Melbourne to accommodate vessels with a draught of up to 14 metres.
The project has received approval from the state of Victoria under the Coastal Management Act 1995, and the commonwealth under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Works are due to commence works in early 2008.
Desalination Project and the role of EPA
EPA Victoria has a key role in assessing the proposal to design, build and operate a desalination plant in the Wonthaggi region.
EPA's role is to determine whether the proposed design meets EPA’s performance requirements for the protection of the environment. If the plant is approved and established, EPA will licence the operation of the proposed plant and enforce strict controls on the disposal of any wastes generated by the plant.
EastLink
EastLink (formerly the Mitcham Frankston Project) is a A$3.8 billion road project which will deliver Melbourne's second fully-electronic tollway, connecting the city's eastern and south-eastern suburbs. EPA is working with the community and industry on the project.
Ecological Footprint
People often get disillusioned by sustainability, saying it is too complicated to understand, when in actual fact it is really quite simple. Think of it this way: every human activity consumes resources from the planet and produces waste that the planet must then deal with. We can even measure how close we are to a sustainable society. This is where the Ecological Footprint has a major role to play. In fact, we are all bound to our planet's environment and natural resources through our Ecological Footprint.
Essential Services Commission Memorandum of Understanding
EPA Victoria recognises that lasting environment protection comes from a mix of regulation and policing, providing environmental leadership and working in collaboration with all sectors of the community. In 2003, EPA entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Essential Services Commission, particularly relating to water issues.
More about the memorandum of understanding between EPA and the ESC
Grow Me The Money
Grow Me The Money is a joint initiative of Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) and EPA Victoria designed to improve the environmental impact of Victorian businesses. In a time of drought, climate change and increasing public awareness of environmental issues, your business can make a real difference by making simple changes in the workplace.
Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plans
A Neighbourhood Environment Improvement Plan (NEIP) is a plan developed by a local community to address environmental issues in their neighbourhood. This section provides information about plans that are being undertaken by the communities of/around Anglesea, Donald, Edwardes Lake, Reservoir, Eskdale/Little Snowy Creek, Stony Creek (Maribyrnong) and Traralgon, and how you can get involved.
Resource efficiency partnerships
EPA Victoria has partnered with other government agencies, water authorities and key industry leaders to assist businesses to be more sustainable in a challenging and competitive environment. Programs and projects undertaken with these partners aim to improve the efficiencies of water, energy and raw material use and deliver business growth by increased profits or unleashing new streams of innovation and business opportunities.
More information about the resource efficiency partnerships is available in the sustainable business and industry section of this site.
Sustainability Fund
The Sustainability Fund has been established by the Victorian Government to support initiatives that will foster the environmentally sustainable use of our resources and best practices in waste management. The Fund is designed to provide a resource that can be used to help build the capacity of Victorian business, local government, non-government organisations and the broader community harness opportunities supported by Victoria's sustainability agenda.
Victorian Government Environment Management System
In February 2002, the Victorian Premier Steve Bracks announced his commitment to introduce best practice business tools for environmental management in Government departments. EPA Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment and Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) oversee the implementation of this commitment.