Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA Victoria) congratulates the finalists of the 2021 Premier’s Sustainability Awards, announced by the Victorian Government today.   
 
The awards showcase the achievements of Victorians across a range of sectors and industries, who are committed to the state’s long-term sustainability efforts.  
 
EPA Victoria is a longstanding supporter of the awards, and this year is sponsoring the Healthy Environment – Industry Leader category, which celebrates the protection or enhancement of Victoria’s natural environment. 
 
Healthy Environment is one of six new award categories developed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. An Industry Leader can be any medium or large organisation including charities or not for profits, TAFEs, universities and other higher education institutions, or Victorian city or state government departments, agencies and authorities.  
 
Finalists of this category are:

• Blue Carbon Lab Deakin University - Victorian Coastal Wetland Restoration Program: The Deakin-led Victorian Coastal Wetland Restoration Program brings together a range of stakeholders to oversee the restoration of 600 hectares of critical wetland habitat to help recover Victoria's native biodiversity. 
 
• The Nature Conservancy Australia - Bringing Back Victoria’s Lost Oyster Reefs: The Bringing Back Victoria's Lost Oyster Reefs project was designed to improve and restore one of Victoria's most prized assets - Port Phillip Bay.  
 
• CDC Victoria - CDC Oakleigh introduction of Volvo Zone Management technology: CDC Victoria became the first public transport provider in Australia to implement the use of automatic geofencing technology to deliver enhanced environmental performance. 
 
EPA CEO, Lee Miezis said he was impressed by the innovation and commitment to our environment exhibited in the submissions.  
 
“From wetlands restoration to improving our public transport systems and revitalising our bays, this year’s finalists demonstrate Victorians passion for our shared goal of clean air, healthy water and safe land,” Mr Miezis said. 
 
“We are proud to have supported the Premier’s Sustainability Awards and  congratulate all those who are committed to improving human health through their ongoing focus on protecting and preserving our environment.” 
 
The 2021 winners will be announced in November 2021. 
 
For more information, photos and profiles of all finalists, visit epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/get-involved/events/premiers-sustainability-awards-2021
 
-ENDS- 
 
 
About the Premier’s Sustainability Awards  

The Premier’s Sustainability Awards recognise and celebrate Victorians who are leading the way to a sustainable future. The Awards reflect the action that is happening across industry, business and community from regional to metropolitan Victoria. 
 
The Premier of Victoria The Hon Daniel Andrews MP, the Victorian Government, and Sustainability Victoria are proud to have this opportunity to recognise and reward Victorians who are leading the way in sustainable innovation and practices across all sectors in Victoria. 
 
Judging is conducted independently of Government and Sustainability Victoria to ensure a fair and unbiased process and outcome. The judging panel comprises a broad range of environmental experts who are selected for their sustainability and industry expertise. 
 
About EPA Victoria 

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is Victoria’s environmental regulator. EPA Victoria is an independent statutory authority, established in 1971 under the Environment Protection Act 1970. EPA Victoria works to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of pollution and waste on Victorians and their environment. EPA Victoria works with the community, industry and businesses. 
 
On July 1, 2021, the amended Environment Protection Act 2017 came into effect, to better protect Victoria’s environment from harm by changing how pollution, waste and contamination is regulated. An important part of the new Act is the General Environmental Duty, the General Environmental Duty applies to all Victorians and requires anyone conducting an activity that poses risks to public health and the environment to understand and minimise those risks. 
 
Like you, we want Victoria’s environment to be a liveable, healthy place. A place where our air, water and land are free of harmful pollutants, now and always.