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Contractors with environmental responsibility

Victoria's Surf Coast Shire is endeavouring to include its contractors as partners in responsible environmental management. In May, Surf Coast launched its Environmentally Aware Contractors Accreditation Scheme (EAC).

Most Councils now recognise the environment as one of their most valuable assets. However, in an age of competitive tendering Councils cannot be sure that contractors will place the same value on environmental assets or, even with the best intentions, be sufficiently informed about environmental issues.

Mayor Julie Hanson said the EAC scheme had been developed to reduce the assisted spread of noxious weeds and pest plants. She said she hoped it would assist contractors to become more involved and take greater responsibility for the environment.

"The EAC accreditation scheme is aimed at industries that can unwittingly be responsible for spreading weeds during normal business activities," she said. "These include road construction, grass slashing, earthworks, excavation, agriculture and garden supplies contractors."

Project Officer Bruce Dupe said the scheme addressed training needs, weed location information and work practices that create risk, by establishing an auditable management system. "Participating contractors and businesses will use the EAC system manual as a guide to improved management and weed location and identification," he said.

"The EAC project may also be developed over time to address other environmental management issues like erosion and native vegetation management." At the launch of the EAC, Chief Executive Officer Diane Patterson said there is a need for high work standards, greater environmental awareness and training for all contractors.

Geelong Branch President of the Civil Contractors Federation, Robert Earl said he had a great desire to become involved in the accreditation scheme and congratulated Surf Coast Shire on its proactive role.

For further information contact Bruce Dupe, telephone (03) 5267 2104

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