As part of the Board’s ongoing commitment to enhancing stakeholder relationships and genuine engagement and part of the Board’s work program for the year, Presiding Member Mia Handshin and Board Members recently held two group discussions with representatives from the mining sector and from the environment and the community sectors.
The first session welcomed representatives from Rex Minerals, BHP Billiton (Olympic Dam), Santos Limited, Arrium, Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE) and South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME).
Ms Handshin invited guests to reflect on the EPA’s strategic review, share what is most important to their organisations and provide their perception of current regulatory approaches and opportunities for improvement. Attendees agreed that the development process has to be robust and transparent.
Facilitated by Board Member Dr Rob Fowler, the second consultative forum was held for environment and community group members. The group discussed how a strong and supportive EPA is vital to ensuring a smart, sustainable and successful future for SA, and to build community confidence in the organisation.
A number of issues were raised of general consensus: the importance of the EPA’s independence; the commitment by the EPA to ongoing transparency of data and information; and the need to further inform on the EPA’s role and powers. It was agreed that ongoing dialogue is required and as a next step sought that a workshop be held to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the EPA.