Group has say on EPA

By Lia Bichel
RESIDENTS in the City of Greater Dandenong were granted the opportunity to discuss their vision for the future of the EPA at a special meeting in Doveton last week.
Members of the community, including councillors, industry workers and organisations such as Residents Against Toxic Waste in the South East (RATWISE), met with the EPA at the Chifley Hotel in one of a series of meetings being held across the state.
EPA spokesperson Ruth Ward said the meeting came as part of an EPA compliance and enforcement review.
“What we are asking of residents is to give us their view of what the EPA’s future will be,” she said.
“There were about 40 people in Dandenong. We were very happy with the feedback we received.”
Ms Ward said a community reference group had also been created to encourage people in the community to help run the meetings and offer different perspectives.
Local resident Thelma Wakelam is a member of the community reference group and chairwoman of RATWISE.
Ms Wakelam said the meeting in Doveton was a success.
“RATWISE was well represented and there were a lot of others as well. There was a really good turnout.” she said.
“The forums are being held in different locations in Melbourne and regional areas to get input from the community on their feelings about the EPA and how they have been conducting business.”
Ms Wakelin encouraged residents to attend meetings or visit www.bangthetable.com.au to voice their opinions and concerns about environmental issues.
Ms Ward said anyone who could not attend a meeting could access a submission online via the EPA website on www.epa.vic.gov.au.