Locals back look into environment agency culture
A NSW environmental network says there should be a parliamentary inquiry into the state’s Environmental Protection Agency, which it alleges is riddled with flaws.
The Community Environment Network on the NSW central coast has backed Labor’s call for an inquiry into the agency's performance.
The call is based on a variety of claims that the NSW EPA has mishandled major incidents around the state.
The Community Environment Network's John Asquith has highlighted the handling of waste dumping at the Mangrove Mountain golf course, which he say was excessive.
Mr Asquith believes the introduction of waste levies for polluters has turned the EPA into an attempted government revenue-raiser.
“While that waste levy might go to good causes such as improving recycling, nonetheless it's the dollars that have become the focus and not the environmental outcomes of reducing wastage and reducing pollution of the environment,” he said in an interview with the ABC.
Reports say senior figures at the Gosford City Council have been contacted by the Independent Commission Against Corruption over the mishandling of the Mangrove landfill site.
NSW EPA says it welcomes potential parliamentary scrutiny of its performance and staff.