[2] It was established to address environmental problems across the state in a systematic and integrated way, bringing together a range of Victorian legislation and powers to be administered by a central authority.

[7] EPA maintains seven distinct regional offices designed so that the authority can respond effectively to local issues and events.

As an independent regulator, EPA works with industries, governments and resources managers to develop legal frameworks, set standards about marine quality and indicators, monitor compliance with the law and enforce it.

[15] Since 1996, EPA has been monitoring the marine water quality daily using their own vessels[16] and working on mapping out environmental conditions through independent sampling systems installed on ships like ferries.

[17] EPA is in charge of handling odour pollution complaints and giving advice and guidelines to businesses on that matter.

They do this by: EPA has authorised officers working in specialised areas such as motor vehicles and litter, who only exercise powers specific to their roles.

[27][28][Note 1] In 2015, the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water appointed a Ministerial Advisory Committee to carry out an independent inquiry into the EPA.

The availability of these receipts may distort the regulator’s incentives and encourage it to dedicate a disproportionate share of its limited resources to a relatively minor environmental hazard.

[36] The building is recognisable thanks to its green facade, and got significant upgrades in 2008 including lighting, rain water harvest and a co-generation plant.