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Vic Labor sketches out environment policies

LABOR says it will ban e-waste to landfill and commission a major public inquiry into EPA Victoria's handling of the Hazelwood mine fire after winning government on Saturday.

Richard Collins
Vic Labor sketches out environment policies

It finally released an environment platform, which at eight picture-filled pages mentions a raft of commitments but provides no detail, targets or justification. It is, however, more than the Coalition has managed.

Labor promised to consider "more efficient ways" to use the revenue from the landfill levy, work with councils and the industry to ensure access to recycling services is fair and reasonable, and implement the e-waste ban to support jobs in the recycling industry.

In a major swipe at the EPA, the document talks of the "appalling public health response to the mine fire, including in adequate advice about air quality, ongoing concerns about the risk of exposure to asbestos and contaminated sites, and about the water quality in the Yarra River.

"Our inquiry will engage the community, with industry and workers in those industries to ensure that all relevant voices are heard. We want to find the best way to combine environmental protection with economic viability and growing sustainable jobs in Victoria," it said.

Labor will also conduct a review of protections near major hazard facilities "to preserve the health and safety of residents".

Sustainability Victoria will be refocused to assist communities with climate change and investigate improving the fuel efficiency of government fleet cars. What that means for its core focus on reducing waste and boosting resource efficiency is unclear.

Labor will also "review legislation and programs to commit to an achievable carbon emissions reduction target". It provides no detail on one burning issue, the headline goal for the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target.

There are no commitments around water policy, although Labor will introduce a Yarra River Protection Act to guard the river corridor from inappropriate development. A new trust will develop standardised planning controls for the Yarra and work with agencies to promote the river’s amenity and significance.

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