Council welcomes extension of OPLE pilot program

Published on 08 August 2018

Mildura Rural City Council has welcomed this week's announcement of an extension to the Officers for the Protection of the Local Environment (OPLE) program.

The Victorian Government-funded program is operated by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in conjunction with selected Councils, including Mildura, which has one OPLE.

It’s designed to help fill an identified gap within the EPA and local Councils, with OPLEs responsible for smaller-scale and lower risk waste and pollution complaints that arise from small business and industry.

Councillor for Environmental and Farming Sustainability Anthony Cirillo said that while Council and the OPLE work together closely, OPLEs remain EPA employees and report to the EPA as part of a memorandum of understanding between the two organisations.

Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio yesterday announced an additional $1.67 million for the project, extending the program by seven months to 21 July 2019.

“This is great news as it will allow us to continue to develop what has so far been a successful partnership between Council and the EPA,” Cr Cirillo said.

“By extending the pilot program we’ll be able to further hone our relationship, allowing more efficient and timely responses to cases when they arise in our region.”

OPLEs respond to complaints about the aforementioned smaller-scale and low-risk waste and pollution issues in the community, with a focus on proactive services, including providing information and education to support the prevention of pollution and encourage compliance.

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