Support for Council on EPA issue

Published on 10 October 2025

Council has welcomed support from councils across Victoria on its ongoing dispute with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) over the clean-up of toxic waste on a property near Bacchus Marsh. 

At the Municipal Association of Victoria’s conference this week, LaTrobe City Council submitted the following motion: 

Latrobe City Council expresses its strong support for Moorabool Shire Council in relation to the recent Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decision that requires Moorabool Shire Council to cover the full cost of the clean-up of illegally dumped industrial waste on land under its management by an operator known to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and calls on the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to:  

1. Publicly support Moorabool Shire Council in its response to the VCAT decision; and  

2. Advocate to the Victorian Government for urgent policy reform that clarifies and shifts the financial responsibility for illegal dumping on public land away from councils to the perpetrators.  

Mayor Cr Paul Tatchell said he was very pleased with the support. 

“This issue, where the EPA ignored toxic waste on a property and waited until it was moved onto Crown land so they could make it Council’s problem, is a potential issue for all councils,” Cr Tatchell said. “We sincerely thank LaTrobe City Council for its support and for calling for urgent government policy reform to prevent this situation from occurring again. 

“I urge the government to listen to all the councils who supported this MAV motion - this is not just a Moorabool issue, it affects the whole sector!” 

Council is continuing to run a campaign targeting illegal dumping in the shire, particularly by builders and contractors coming into the area for work. More details: moorabool.vic.gov.au/illegal-dumping  

It is also planning an Illegal Dumping Summit on 30 October, where Mayors and CEOs throughout Victoria will meet to determine a collaborative approach and drive shared solutions for this issue.