Environmental Policy

Victoria Petroleum NL is committed to conducting all its operations and activities in an environmentally sound and responsible manner.

The company plans and manages its activities in order to minimise disturbance to the environment in which it operates by utilising environmental standards consistent with development in technology, industry, codes of practice and all relevant statutory requirements.

Victoria Petroleum NL requires its employees and contractors to undertake their work in an environmentally sound manner and to consider environmental protection, and the protection of native flora and fauna in its operations as one of their responsibilities.

The code of Environmental Practice of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Ltd (APPEA) has been accepted by Victoria Petroleum NL as providing the most appropriate basis for its environmental management programme. The basic principals adopted require the company to:

• comply with applicable Commonwealth and State Government's statutory requirements for the protection of the environment
• In the absence of specific regulatory prescription or guidelines adopt the best practicable means available to minimise and ameliorate adverse environment impacts
• consult with appropriate government agencies and other parties so as to meet all statutory requirements and to facilitate effective liaison with government and non government bodies
• ensure timely and effective consultation with landholders (owners or lessees) and where land is held or managed by Aboriginal communities ensure liaison is with relevant and authorised representatives
• assess the regional and local environmental sensitivity and adopt strategies to avoid or protect such areas
• plan to locate, design, operate and decommission all facilities and associated infrastructure so as to avoid or mitigate adverse environmental impact
• monitor environmental effects and audit environmental performance at all stages of exploration, development and production.
• provide adequate training to enable employees to recognise the potential implications of their activities and be equipped and motivated to act in an environmentally responsible manner.

John Kopcheff
Managing Director