Environment

Your local generalist Community Legal Centre can help you with information about the law in regards to the protection of the environment, e.g. pollution legislation and control, local government and statutory body responsibilities, and the rights of environmental demonstrators. See the Find a Local CLC section of our website.

The Environment Defenders Office (Victoria) Ltd (EDO) is a specialist CLC that helps public interest groups and individuals to protect and conserve the environment. It publishes resources, provides legal advice and representation, conducts community workshops and seminars, and makes policy reform submissions. Services not dependent on where you live.

The Public Interest Law Clearing House (PILCH) is an independent, not-for-profit specialist legal centre that operates a legal referral service. It seeks to meet the legal needs of community groups/not-for-profit organisations, and individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds on a variety of issues by facilitating their access topro bono legal assistance. They may be able to assist in access to legal assistance in relation to environmental issues. Services not dependent on where you live.

Government organisations

Department of Sustainability & Environment (Victoria)
The Victorian Government’s Department of Sustainability and Environment advises government on the ‘management, protection and care of the state’s natural and heritage assets, biodiversity and ecological processes and urban development’. Website includes Planning Schemes Online and Victorian Planning Provisions Online.

Department of the Environment and Water Resources (Federal)
The Federal Government’s Department of the Environment and Heritage administers numerous environmental acts, including the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and Australian participation in international environment agreements.

Environment Protection Authority (Victoria)
The EPA is a statutory body that aims to minimise waste and prevent pollution and industrial noise through the enforcement of the Environment Protection Act.

Publications

Fact sheets and Kits - Environment Defenders' Office
The EDO publishes a wide range of resources to assist and educate the community, including self-help kits. Visit the publications section of the Environment Defenders' Office website for further details.

Introduction to Victoria’s Environment and Planning Law (4th edition)
Published by the EDO, this is a guide to enable the community’s participation in Victorian and Commonwealth decision-making processes about planning and environmental issues. Designed for use as a reference for the community to use in environmental casework and as a text for University and TAFE courses. For more information and how to order visit publications section of the Environment Defenders' Office website.

Websites

EPBC Project Act Guides
Practical, easy-to-read guides to working with the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 ('EPBC Act'). Free to download.

Activists Rights
The Activist Rights website aims to help support new and experienced activists, campaign organisers, legal workers and progressive lawyers. The website contains information and advice on various issues, as well as links to other useful websites.

PLEASE NOTE: Information on this website does not substitute for legal advice.