PEN Melbourne

EPA Victoria is asking environmental students and the community to participate in helping shape the future of environmental management and protection in Victoria, through a series of Have Your Say Open Houses to be held across the state throughout March 2011.

These 13 events are a chance for the community to drop in to this fun and friendly event any time between 5pm and 8.30pm and talk with EPA staff about issues that are important to them, and to the environment.

These issues include environmental justice and the equitable distribution of pollution problems within our community, reducing consumption of energy, water and material goods, the management of land, air, water and noise pollution, and reducing the impacts of a growing population on local environments.

The events are a chance for people to stop by and find out more about what EPA does, and for EPA staff to talk to the community about the findings of its review of compliance and enforcement activities. Community members can stay for ten minutes, or the whole evening.

EPA chief executive John Merritt said EPA staff valued the opportunity to speak with the community about how pollution is being managed and regulated on a state level, and how we can incorporate these views to better plan for the future.

"Have Your Say is part of our commitment to greater openness and transparency with the Victorian community on our decision-making as we journey toward becoming a modern regulator," Mr Merritt said.

"This process is informing how we will manage these emerging challenges."

You can find more information about event locations by visiting www.epa.vic.gov.au.