PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced that chairperson Paul Vogel would step down from his position at the end of his term in November.
Vogel, who was appointed in 2007, is the second longest serving chairperson in the EPA’s 44-year history.
Environment Minister Albert Jacob said Vogel had made a significant contribution over the past eight years.
“Dr Vogel will continue as chairman for his full term, which will assist greatly during this transition period,” the Minister said.
Vogel said he was proud of the work achieved by the EPA during his tenure.
“Western Australia’s environment is extraordinary. Our state boasts twin riches: incredible environmental assets and vast mineral, oil and gas reserves. The exploitation of these natural resources brings both prosperity and risks to our environment.
“Managing these environmental risks presents unique challenges and I am proud that I have overseen a board that has highlighted the need to examine the bigger picture, shone a spotlight on the potential cumulative impacts on our environment and looked at how we can make a real, practical difference.”
“I am confident that I leave the EPA in good hands and with the foundations needed to meet the challenges of managing the environmental impacts on our state into the future,” Vogel said.
The state government was in the process of selecting a new chairperson, and an announcement would be made regarding the appointment of a new chairperson following this process.