Published Friday, 22 February, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
New EPA Ipswich Office an Asset to the Local Community
The Queensland Government’s capacity to provide Ipswich West Morton region with a safe and sustainable environment has been improved significantly with the opening of a new Environmental Protection Agency office in Ipswich.
The new office was opened today by the Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara.
Mr McNamara said the new office is providing better access and service for the community, industry and local governments in the area.
“The office services communities in the Ipswich, Esk, Kilcoy, Laidley and Gatton region,” Mr McNamara said.
“Decentralising staff out of the agency’s Brisbane office brings the EPA closer to its client base and the businesses it regulates.
“Having staff working locally will help businesses and industries remain environmentally responsible, accountable and competitive.
“Queensland is going through a period of major growth, and Queenslanders expect business and industry to maintain a clean, healthy and sustainable environment now and in the future.
“The new office has been made possible through the employment of 50 additional compliance officers throughout South-east Queensland to strengthen the EPA’s ability to focus on industrial estates and regulated industries undertaking high risk activities.
“These include mines, chemical manufacturers, aquaculture sites, quarries, food processing facilities, metal works, waste management and sewage treatment plants.”
Mr McNamara said the $5 million committed this year for additional compliance officers shows the State Government’s commitment to providing Queenslanders with a safe and sustainable environment.
The Member for Ipswich, Rachel Nolan, welcomed the new office, saying it had already proven its value to the community.
She had campaigned for the establishment of the new office, and was glad to see her lobbying realised.
“In the first few weeks of operation, Ipswich officers have dealt with preventing pollution from an industrial fire, waste management and odour management issues at industrial facilities,” Ms Nolan said.
“Because staff are based in the community, they are now able to address and resolve local issues much more quickly and efficiently.
“It also means that EPA staff will develop strong relationships with local industries and the community.”
Mr McNamara said the new office in Ipswich means the EPA is better placed to ensure that we all live and work in a safe, sustainable and healthy environment.
Media contact: Emma Parnell 333 68002
The new office was opened today by the Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara.
Mr McNamara said the new office is providing better access and service for the community, industry and local governments in the area.
“The office services communities in the Ipswich, Esk, Kilcoy, Laidley and Gatton region,” Mr McNamara said.
“Decentralising staff out of the agency’s Brisbane office brings the EPA closer to its client base and the businesses it regulates.
“Having staff working locally will help businesses and industries remain environmentally responsible, accountable and competitive.
“Queensland is going through a period of major growth, and Queenslanders expect business and industry to maintain a clean, healthy and sustainable environment now and in the future.
“The new office has been made possible through the employment of 50 additional compliance officers throughout South-east Queensland to strengthen the EPA’s ability to focus on industrial estates and regulated industries undertaking high risk activities.
“These include mines, chemical manufacturers, aquaculture sites, quarries, food processing facilities, metal works, waste management and sewage treatment plants.”
Mr McNamara said the $5 million committed this year for additional compliance officers shows the State Government’s commitment to providing Queenslanders with a safe and sustainable environment.
The Member for Ipswich, Rachel Nolan, welcomed the new office, saying it had already proven its value to the community.
She had campaigned for the establishment of the new office, and was glad to see her lobbying realised.
“In the first few weeks of operation, Ipswich officers have dealt with preventing pollution from an industrial fire, waste management and odour management issues at industrial facilities,” Ms Nolan said.
“Because staff are based in the community, they are now able to address and resolve local issues much more quickly and efficiently.
“It also means that EPA staff will develop strong relationships with local industries and the community.”
Mr McNamara said the new office in Ipswich means the EPA is better placed to ensure that we all live and work in a safe, sustainable and healthy environment.
Media contact: Emma Parnell 333 68002