Vogel's inclusive approach

Incoming Environmental Protection Authority chairman Dr Paul Vogel says he wants to engage in an open dialogue with industry, government and conservation groups to help deliver sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders in the environmental approvals process.

Dr Vogel, who takes over the top job at the state’s environmental watchdog on November 5, told WA Business News he wanted to meet with key industry players and business chambers early in his tenure, paving the way for a more collaborative and accessible EPA under his leadership.

He said reconciling the needs of industry and the economic development of the state with the community’s expectations on environmental protection was one of the key challenges of his new role.

“Business is clearly concerned with the timeliness of decisions and the cost of compliance,” Dr Vogel told WA Business News.

“The community wants protection of the environment, but they also want jobs.

“It’s not just a matter for government to mandate, but for everybody to play a part.”

The authority would look to lift its focus on risk analysis in its decision making, which he said would be underpinned by a sound policy framework.

“The WA landscape is very fragile and needs to be managed carefully,” Dr Vogel said.

“We need to look at all environmental factors and decide what level of change in the environment is acceptable.”

Central to good policy development and timely processing of approvals was the EPA’s ability to access the right skills and resources, Dr Vogel said.

The authority, like other government agencies, is currently grappling with increased workloads and the shortage of available skilled labour, with staff being lured into the private sector by higher salaries.

Dr Vogel said one possible solution was for government and industry to work together to find a mutually beneficial solution.

“We need government and industry to come to the table and come up with solutions of how to solve this issue together,” he said.

“If you don’t have good people you won’t get good and timely decisions.”

Dr Vogel returns to WA after serving as chief executive of the South Australian Environment Protection Authority since 2002.

With extensive experience in environmental policy and strategy development in natural resource management, Dr Vogel has worked in several senior roles within the WA public service since 1995.

He was director of environmental policy for the WA Department of Premier and Cabinet from 2000 to 2001, after six years as director of environment systems at the then WA Department of Environment Protection.

Waste Management Board chair Barry Carbon assumed the role of acting chair on August 1 after the resignation of former chief Wally Cox.