Funding for community environmental groups could be made available through fines handed down to companies guilty of polluting.

The Victorian Government is seeking new and creative solutions to environmental issues that will be paid for by fines levied on companies or individuals found guilty in court of environmental pollution.

 

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the Government was seeking fresh applications to further utilise alternative sentencing provisions of the Environment Protection Act.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to ensure Victoria’s environment is not only protected but enhanced in ways that ensure our state remains a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Jennings said.

“For some time the courts have been making use of alternative sentencing, where an offender is directed to fund a community environment project instead of, or in addition to, paying a fine.

“We are seeking a new round of proposals and applications from community groups working on local environmental projects who believe they could benefit from this funding.

“We are looking for proposals that tackle environmental issues or work with Victorian communities to change the way people think and act about issues such as climate change, pollution or resource use.

“Since 2003/04, annual funding for EPA community environmental projects from alternative sentencing has risen from around $180,000 to almost $900,000.”

The projects would be selected through EPA Victoria’s Inspiring Environmental Solutions program.

Previously, fines have been directed to a range of projects. In 2007 a company that spilled oil into the Yarra was ordered to pay community groups $80,000 to install gutter guards and label drains while last year another company found guilty of an oil pipeline leak paid $210,000 to a wetlands project to fund a program to stop stormwater flowing into a marine sanctuary.

EPA chief operating executive Terry A’Hearn said the total funding pool on offer each year will vary as funding is only available following the successful prosecution of a pollution incident.

“These prosecutions occur irregularly so proposals should have flexible timelines for implementation,” A’Hearn said.

“We would like to see community-led proposals that enhance the environment in a public place or incorporate environmental activities that benefit the whole community.”