Local Authority Environmental Enforcement Performance Framework

The EPA has a supervisory role over local authorities and assesses their environmental inspection and enforcement performance under the EPA's Local Authority Performance Framework. This framework focuses the environmental enforcement activities of all 31 local authorities to align with the National Enforcement Priorities (NEPs) shown below. 

How the Framework operates 

• There are 15 National Enforcement Priorities (NEPs) which focus on delivering positive environmental outcomes for air quality, water quality and waste management. The NEPs are set for a three-year period. The current cycle runs from 2025-2027.
• The NEPs are grouped into four themes; waste; water, air and noise; governance processes. The EPA assesses local authority performance under each NEP and scores it on a four-point scale; Excellent, Strong, Moderate or Limited. If they score Excellent or Strong, they have met the required standard. However, if they score Moderate or Limited, they have failed to meet the required standard for that NEP.
• A rating of Strong or Excellent shows that a local authority has effective systems in place to identify and follow-up environmental issues. It also shows that the local authority made progress towards achieving the environmental outcome for that NEP.

National Enforcement Priorities 2025 - 2027