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Gippsland Water to Establish Dutson Downs EIP Advisory Committee

Gippsland Water has announced that it is inviting members of the public to join a new advisory committee

By Gippsland Water - 26th July 2001 - Back to News

Gippsland Water has announced that it is inviting members of the public to join a new advisory committee to focus on environmental management at Dutson Downs. The "Dutson Downs EIP (Environment Improvement Plan) Advisory Committee" will comprise representatives of community groups, government departments, local industry and interested individuals.

Gippsland Water Board Chairman, Richard Elkington said "We have had three consultative committees (Environment, Coastal Board and Customer) operating for some years now and each of these committees plays a valuable role in assisting to effectively manage our organization".

He added " We recognize that activities at the Dutson Downs facility have a major impact on not only the local community but also on the wider Gippsland Region. We acknowledge that communication about activities at Dutson Downs could have been carried out more effectively and we hope that this committee will enhance the communication process as well as improving our on-site performance"

The committee’s major role will be to develop an Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) for the Dutson Downs site, which comprises some 8000 ha and has some unique environmental features and biodiversity enhancement opportunities. The EIP will become a public commitment by Gippsland Water to enhance its environmental performance at Dutson Downs.

Mr Elkington said " As many people will be aware, the State Government is taking steps to ensure that the management of Victoria’s waste is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. This committee will act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Gippsland Water to ensure that waste management activities at Dutson Downs are in accord with both the State Government’s new Waste Policy Framework and community requirements."

Expressions of interest are currently being invited through local newspapers and the inaugural meeting of the committee will be held in Sale on August 29.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: gippslandwater@gippslander.com

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