The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is urging its members and the wider industry, in particular automotive recyclers and wreckers, to review their current processes following major changes to Victorian Environmental legislation that took effect from 1 July 2021.
According to the VACC, the tightening of Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) regulations is set to have a ripple effect across the automotive industry, resulting in greater business transparency and accountability.
“The new EPA permission system, requiring auto recyclers to be registered, combined with the requirement for vehicle dismantling and recycling activities to be undertaken at a ‘lawful place’, is set to vastly increase the transparency of auto recycling operations throughout Victoria,” said Dale Imlach, Auto Parts Recyclers Association of Australia Chairman and Director of VACC member business Imlachs Self Serve Auto Parts.
“We are encouraged that, with time and investment, a level playing field and environmental improvement can be achieved. The issue of unlicensed businesses undermining licensed businesses in our industry – and the waste industry generally – has constrained business development over the last 20 years.”
VACC maintains the new legislation is a positive step and that the automotive industry is behind EPA efforts. “It will be a process, but businesses can comply with the law by identifying, controlling and managing their risks to the environment – reaching out to industry bodies and readily available EPA material for guidance,” the chamber said.
“This needed to happen,” VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym added. “It’s also a major step in the right direction towards an end-of-life vehicle scheme. But for now, it’s about properly supporting business owners and making sure they know what their new obligations are, as well as what they face in terms of non-compliance repercussions.”
Gwilym said the automotive industry continues to be proactive and work collaboratively with bodies like the EPA.
“We all have the same goal when it comes to the environment and wanting to keep people safe. However, providing practical solutions and resources to well-meaning business owners is paramount. Operational processes need to be clear and easy to implement if there is going to be real change,” Gwilym added.