Public health and safety will be at risk due to planned job cuts at the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) – a direct result of the State Government’s decision to cut funding in this year’s budget. 

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) holds concerns that the jobs at risk of being cut are responsible for investigating contamination and pollution, while AI data centres are being fast-tracked and allegations of big build corruption exist.

EPA workers are responsible for ensuring Victorians have clean air, land and water. They investigate potential contamination, respond during emergencies, and safeguard people against illegal dumping and asbestos. 

Some of the jobs on the chopping block are colloquially known as the “if something goes wrong roles”. These people are the first point of call when incidents occur, including for all large infrastructure projects like the Suburban Rail Loop.

The CPSU said new rules (announced by government today) that future data centres would require a 150 metre "buffer zone" between residential areas were counterproductive if the people who investigate and respond to noise and pollution have their jobs cut. 

These cuts will severely limit remaining staff’s ability to respond to contamination quickly and efficiently, along with the loss of decades of collective knowledge.

These workers provide regulatory oversight for major road projects and are involved every time the EPA has a frontline response to an issue. They investigated the asbestos found in playground mulch in Melbourne parks in 2024. It was also the EPA who responded when chemical pollution from the North-East Link turned Banyule Creek a neon blue colour in 2025. 

With more large-scale infrastructure projects on the horizon, Victorians need a guarantee from the government that their health and safety is not at risk – not less funding for the people who keep them safe. 

The biggest polluters in our communities are massive multinational corporations, who often have a seat at the political table and a lot of influence. The EPA stands up for the little guy; they work for Victorians.

Communities have already voiced concerns over the development of AI data centres in residential areas, with the EPA issuing a formal objection to the Campbellfield site.

The CPSU says that removing these roles will have severe public health implications for communities. 

Quotes attributable to CPSU Vic Secretary, Jiselle Hanna

“The government should not be making it harder to respond to and investigate community complaints about contamination and pollution.”

“With AI data centres popping up all over Victoria that come with risks around diesel generators and noise pollution, we need a fully funded EPA to keep our communities safe.”

“These workers are experts in their field and have saved Victorians from the hazardous impacts of pollution and contamination. If their jobs get cut, who will do that work?”