Everyone depends on a healthy environment. As the state's environmental regulator, EPA Victoria is committed to environmental justice outcomes.
"We want an environment where all people enjoy equal protection from environmental harm and equal access to decision-making processes to maintain a healthy environment in which to live, learn and work. That is why EPA has developed the Environmental Justice Policy," said EPA Acting CEO Suzy Neilan.
"EPA's Environmental Justice Policy identifies the elements of environmental justice and how these apply within the environment protection framework in Victoria. It outlines how we will prioritise and focus our efforts from 2025 to 2027."
EPA will take a phased approach to implementation which will include engagement with stakeholders as we develop an Environmental Justice Action Plan.
Ms Neilan said achieving environmental justice will require cooperation between government, community, Traditional Owners and industry.
"We recognise environmental justice outcomes are a shared responsibility. While environmental justice concerns are not new for EPA, the policy helps us to identify the areas for us to focus on to achieve better environmental outcomes for all Victorians," she said.
"We'll continue to focus on prevention, encourage people to participate with us and find restorative justice opportunities that benefit the communities affected by environmental harm."
Ms Neilan said the policy aligns with the organisation's Strategic Plan 2022 to 2027 and delivers on our commitment in EPA's Environmental, Social and Governance Statement 2024 to 2027.
EPA's Environmental Justice Policy is available at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/governance/environmental-justice-policy
