Our priorities

Our annual priorities and initiatives are guided by:

We are also informed by science, data and regulatory intelligence, as well as insights from communities, industry, councils and co-regulators about emerging issues.

We focus on the activities and behaviours that pose the highest risk of harm from pollution and waste. We also work to strengthen Victoria’s waste and recycling system and support the transition to a circular economy.

Our Initiatives

These deliver targeted improvements, respond to emerging issues, and deliver on government priorities.

Targeting illegal dumping

Illegal waste dumping harms Victoria’s environment on public and private land. It also slows our move to a circular economy. We are working to combat illegal dumping wherever it happens.

The Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce brings together EPA, DEECA, Parks Victoria, the Conservation Regulator and councils. We target dumping hotspots across the state. The Taskforce shares intelligence and coordinates surveillance and enforcement to protect parks, forests and other public land. We use a risk based and intelligence led approach to target the highest risk sites and offenders. This work supports our broader efforts to prevent dumping on all land.

2026-27 initiatives

To detect, respond and deter illegal waste dumping and hold dumpers to account we will:

  • monitor and carry out inspection campaigns that focus on high-risk waste such as tyres, asbestos, demolition waste
  • detect and take strong enforcement against offenders
  • increase enforcement in hotspots, including more officers on the ground
  • use data, surveillance and technology to detect criminals
  • stop repeat offenders by publicly naming and shaming them, in partnership with Crimestoppers.

Circular economy and waste system stewardship

We help Victoria move to a circular economy by reducing waste, improving recycling, and keeping the system safe, reliable and ready for the future. This also supports our regulatory role by improving how the system works and reducing environmental risks.

Victoria’s transition to a circular economy is supported by data and intelligence that brings together government and industry to plan, guide investment and strengthen accountability.

2026-27 initiatives

To promote Victoria’s transition to a circular economy we will:

  • oversee the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) to make sure it works well, and expand visits to retailers to help them understand their obligations
  • identify, plan and support future waste and recycling infrastructure needs
  • develop and deliver a long-term strategy for the waste and recycling sector to set direction, support investment and build confidence.

Reducing the risk of harm and impacts from landfills

Landfills provide an essential service, but they are a major source of odour, dust and other pollution complaints. Many landfills also have poor compliance records. Over the past year, we have taken stronger action to improve compliance.

2026-27 initiatives

To prevent and reduce community impacts from landfills we will:

  • deliver a targeted inspection program of high-risk landfill operators to ensure they meet today’s standards
  • start a multi-year program to update standards, licence conditions and guidance so operators know what is expected.

Targeted action on noise, odour and air quality in communities

Noise and odour affect how people live in their neighbourhoods. They can harm health, wellbeing and quality of life. We are taking strong, targeted action where these issues affect communities. We are also working with communities, industry and partners to balance safe innovation and essential services with protections for residents. We focus our effort on the most affected communities.

2026-27 initiatives

To improve environmental amenity and detect and respond to pollution impacts on community we will:

  • use targeted inspections to reduce odour impacts from industry on communities in Melbourne’s west
  • trial acoustic camera technology in selected areas to identify excessively noisy vehicles and hold them accountable
  • keep pace with the rapid growth of data centres by making sure operators meet their obligations and manage risks to communities and the environment
  • continue to monitor and publicly report on air quality and respond to emerging air quality issues to support healthier communities
  • review and update noise rules in live music precincts to support live music and protect the community.

Preventing fires at waste and resource recovery facilities and industrial sites

Awareness of fire risks at waste and resource recovery facilities has improved. However, fires still put workers and the community at risk. They can pollute air and water through smoke and contaminated runoff. They also affect nearby communities and disrupt waste and recycling services.

2026-27 initiatives

To strengthen the management of fire risk at facilities we will:

  • inspect high-risk sites to make sure fire risks are well managed, such as sites that store and process chemicals, batteries and other dangerous materials
  • lead the development of clear guidance on the safe storage and handling of lithium-ion batteries to reduce fire risk.

Reducing impacts of pollution and waste from construction and supporting safe land development

Construction supports housing, infrastructure and economic growth. It can also create noise, dust, water pollution and waste. Poor site management can affect nearby communities and waterways.

We work with industry, planners and other agencies early in the process. This helps projects move faster and leads to better outcomes for the community and the environment.

We monitor major construction projects and promote the reuse of materials. Our inspections make sure sites manage and dispose of waste and contaminated soil safely, reduce noise and dust impacts to community, and stop sediment entering waterways.

We take a practical, problem-solving approach to regulating contaminated land. This helps us provide timely, practical and science-based advice.

2026–27 initiatives

To reduce regulatory burden and ensure we’re providing transparent information to community we will:

  • make it easier and faster for developers to work with EPA through our Land Development portal, and support safe clean-up of contaminated and brownfield sites.
  • Undertake a 12-month review of air quality data for the West Gate Tunnel project.

Caring for Country and Traditional Owner self-determination

EPA recognises that Traditional Owner cultural knowledge helps us understand the health of Country and the environment. We respect Traditional Owner cultural values in our actions and decisions. We work to prevent, reduce and fix harm to Country. We do this by helping our staff understand Traditional Owners’ values, how pollution and waste can affect them, and by sharing this knowledge across the organisation.

2026-27 initiatives

To ensure Traditional Owner knowledge is considered in our decisions we will:

  • apply our Traditional Owner cultural values policy in our day-to-day work and how we respond to emergencies
  • work with Traditional Owners to improve outcomes for Country, communities and the environment.

Managing the risk of harm from climate change

Climate change is increasing the risk of harm from pollution and waste. More frequent or intense heatwaves, bushfires and storms can affect businesses and industry. They also put pressure on essential services.

We’re improving how we include climate risks in our regulatory work and helping communities and duty holders understand their obligations in a changing climate.

2026-27 initiatives

To improve management of climate-related environmental risks we will:

  • inspect major emitters and high energy users to help them comply with the General Environmental Duty and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Organisational capability and collaboration

We build EPA’s capability as a modern and effective regulator by strengthening our leadership, systems and ways of working. We are strengthening our data and intelligence capability to support better decisions. We also work closely with government partners, co regulators and stakeholders to manage complex and emerging risks.

2026-27 initiatives

To strengthen EPA's impact as a modern, science-led regulator we will:

  • implement a new operating model to support our expanded role and strengthen our capability
  • invest in science capability through a Centre of Excellence. This long-term initiative will strengthen partnerships and support science-led regulation. It will also enable safe innovation
  • work with industry and the community to develop guidance that helps businesses of all sizes meet their obligations to prevent harm from pollution and waste
  • develop our next Strategic Plan to build a stronger EPA and redefine our vision to deliver regulatory outcomes that matter and meet evolving community expectations.

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