Outcome 2: Sustainable environment
Main responsibilities for this outcome
Environment Quality Division |
| Reduction and management of wastes, hazardous substances, pollutants, ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases. |
Objectives
To provide a cleaner and healthier environment through frameworks, standards, regulation and monitoring of the management and use of wastes, hazardous substances, air pollutants, ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases.
Strategies
The work towards ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment and reducing pollution covers three interconnected areas. These are:
- leading and promoting national approaches to environmental issues
- engagement on international agreements
- responsibility for the development and operation of national legislation and policy initiatives.
Leading and promoting national approaches
National Waste Policy
The National Waste Policy endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in October 2010, provides the strategic national framework for waste management and resource recovery over the next 10 years. It aims to avoid the generation of waste, reduce the amount of waste for disposal, and manage waste as a resource to deliver economic, environmental and social benefits.
The amount of waste in Australia is growing. In the four years to 2007, the amount of waste generated grew by nearly a third to around 44 million tonnes, which is the equivalent
of over 2 000 kilograms of waste for each Australian each year. Over the same period, the amount of hazardous waste doubled. If the amount of waste continues to grow at the current rate of 3.1 per cent per year, by 2020–21 national waste generation will have risen 53 per cent to 67.4 million tonnes.
The National Waste Policy sets six key directions: taking responsibility, improving the market, pursuing sustainability, reducing hazard and risk, tailoring solutions and providing the evidence. Arising from these directions are 16 priority strategies. The department, in collaboration with the states and territories, leads 10 of the 16 strategies. These are being delivered against the implementation plan endorsed by the Environmental Protection and Heritage Council on 5 July 2010.
A status report on the first 12 months of the National Waste Policy outlined strong progress against the 2010 milestones. The report outlined work on product stewardship (strategy one), packaging and litter (strategy three), and the provision of a comprehensive hazardous waste system (strategy 12). The full status report and implementation plan are available on the Environment Protection and Heritage Council website.
Environment Protection and Heritage Council
The department supported the minister in his role as chair of the Environment Protection and Heritage Council. This ministerial council is the peak national body for addressing environmental protection matters. It incorporates the National Environment Protection Council, which is responsible for making National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs). These measures provide the national policy frameworks for coordinating action on air quality (including air toxics), diesel vehicle emissions, national pollutant inventory, the movement of controlled waste, assessment of contaminated sites, and used packaging materials.
Chemicals reform agenda
In conjunction with states and territories, the department is implementing COAG’s 2009 environmental chemicals reform agenda through the Environment Protection and Heritage Council. This agenda relates to three recommendations in the Productivity Commission’s 2008 report on chemicals and plastics regulation. The reforms address whether there should be mandatory labelling of chemicals for their environmental impact; establishing a standards-setting body to manage the risk to the environment from chemicals, and developing a performance measurement framework for chemical monitoring.
An organised chemical storage shed. Murrumbah is a ChemCert Healthy Farm where produce is quality assured.
Air quality
The department released the State of the Air in Australia 1999–2008 report in 2010–11. Prepared in collaboration with state and territory agencies, the report found that ambient air quality was generally good but that particle and ozone levels continued to exceed national standards in some cities.
To reduce vehicle emissions, the Australian Government regulates fuel and vehicle emission standards. Work undertaken by the department in 2010–11 included administration of fuel quality standards under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000, and the release of a public consultation paper to inform a regulation impact statement on a proposed new standard for ethanol blend (E85) automotive fuel.
Early evening traffic on the streets of the Melbourne CBD.
Engagement on international agreements
The department leads Australia’s participation in a number of international agreements that seek to minimise impacts from hazardous chemicals, hazardous wastes and ozone-depleting substances. Some of the major agreements are listed in Table 1.
In 2010–11 the department progressed the domestic control of the growing list of hazardous chemicals (such as some flame-retardant chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention) and led Australia’s negotiations on an emerging global agreement to reduce the adverse impacts of mercury.
Agreement |
Purpose |
|---|---|
Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal |
Management of hazardous wastes |
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade |
Management of hazardous chemicals |
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants |
Management of hazardous chemicals |
Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management |
Management of hazardous chemicals and wastes |
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer |
Protection of the ozone layer |
National legislation and policy delivery
Fuel quality
The department administers the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 to ensure that fuel supplied to consumers meets quality standards, minimises emissions, and maintains efficient engine operation. Fuel quality standards exist for petrol, automotive diesel, biodiesel (B100) and LPG (autogas).
Australian Government fuel quality testing.
Protecting the ozone layer
Australia meets its Montreal Protocol phase out obligations through the operation of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. The department’s administration of this legislation delivers a national approach to the import, manufacture, use and destruction of ozone-depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases.
Hazardous waste
The department administers the export, import, transit and disposal of hazardous waste through the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989. The process under this Act for granting permits ensures that international movement of hazardous wastes is dealt with in an environmentally sound manner, both within and outside Australia.
Used oil
Every year about 300 million litres of used petroleum-based oil are generated in Australia. The department manages the disposal and re-use of used oil through the Product Stewardship for Oil program, which is underpinned by the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000.
National Pollutant Inventory
The National Pollutant Inventory was established under the National Environment Protection (National Pollutant Inventory) Measure 1998, to provide a database of the sources, types and amounts of pollutants emitted to air water and land. The National Pollutant Inventory now contains 12 years of data and publishes annual industry emission data by the statutory date of 31 March (see Figure 1).
Chemical assessments
The department provides advice and input to improvements in chemical safety and regulation for agricultural, veterinary and industrial chemicals. Major work undertaken in 2010–11 included a targeted sampling program to measure the amounts of the industrial chemical triclosan in waste streams, and finalising reviews of the pesticides diuron and endosulfan.
Biotechnology and nanotechnology
The department assesses whether the products of these potentially hazardous technologies pose environmental risks. Based on this advice the minister then advises the Gene Technology Regulator under the Gene Technology Act 2000, administered by the Department of Health and Ageing.
Education for sustainability
During 2010–11 the department provided $190 937 in grants under the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative to advance sustainability through education. Work continued to support the integration of the Sustainability Curriculum Framework in the national school curricula.
Figure 1: National Pollutant Inventory—number of NPI published facilities
Figure 1 text version (Excel 27 KB)
Results
Key results under the National Waste Policy
- The Product Stewardship Act 2011 was enacted on 8 August 2011, the Bill having been passed by Parliament on 22 June 2011 (see case study 1). Delivery of this legislation was one of the key priorities under strategy 1 of the National Waste Policy. This included the release in November 2010 of a public consultation paper on the proposed legislation. The consultation included public meetings in five capital cities which were attended by 140 people and a further 14 individual meetings with interested organisations. Forty six submissions on the paper were received from stakeholders representing the views of the public, industry and all three levels of government.
- On 8 March 2011 a consultation paper was released on the proposed Regulations to underpin the National Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme. This paper received a total of 62 public submissions. Under the scheme the television and computer industry will collect and recycle these products. In the lead up to the scheme commencing, the department initiated television takeback events with state agencies. These were trialled in regional areas with limited access to recyclers and where analogue signals were switched off as part of the digital switch over.
- On 1 July 2010 the strengthened Australian Packaging Covenant came into effect. Endorsed by government and the packaging industry this is the key national instrument to reduce the environmental impacts of consumer packaging. The covenant emphasises product stewardship through improved packaging design, away-from-home recycling, and reducing packaging litter. Brand owners that do not participate in the covenant face enforcement action by states and territories under the National Environment Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure.
- On 21 July 2010 FluoroCycle, a national scheme for increasing the recycling of mercury containing lamps, came into operation. Endorsed by state, territory and Commonwealth environment ministers and delivered by the Lighting Council Australia, this voluntary product stewardship scheme has gained the support of 64 signatories from the commercial and public lighting sectors. As the largest consumers of these lamps, these sectors are the current focus of the scheme.
- Work on the first national spatially accurate dataset and map of all Australian landfill sites (operating, closed and legacy) and other waste management facilities was largely complete by June 2011. Developed by the department in collaboration with other Australian Government agencies and the Waste Management Association of Australia, this comprehensive resource will inform and enable better waste management and environmental protection decisions.
Organic waste.
Key results in leading Australia’s engagement on international agreements
- Amendments to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 were enacted on 18 November 2010. These amendments modernise the compliance provisions of this Act by providing for a ban (with exemptions) on the import and manufacture of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment containing hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant and foam. The strengthened provisions will reduce hydrochlorofluorocarbon use and help Australia meet its phase out obligations of 99.5 per cent in 2016 and 100 per cent in 2030.
- In January 2011 the department led Australia’s participation in the second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to prepare a global, legally binding instrument to minimise unintentional mercury releases to air, water, and land from waste. Negotiations will conclude before the UNEP Governing Council/Ministerial Forum 27th Regular Session in 2013.
Key results in delivering national legislation and policy initiatives
- In April 2011 the department released the State of the Air in Australia 1999–2008 report, which describes trends in ambient air quality in major urban and regional areas. Particle and ozone levels continue to exceed national standards in some major cities, contributing to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. The report is available on the department’s website.
- The department completed environmental impact risk assessments and management advice on 228 agricultural, veterinary and industrial chemicals. Advice was provided to the Gene Technology Regulator on 11 genetically modified organisms.
- On 31 March 2011 the National Pollutant Inventory annual report was released. This provides emissions data from over 4 200 facilities on 93 substances identified as important due to their possible health impacts. Of the 85 substances reported, 52 had emission levels lower than in the previous year.
- Investigations by the department as part of compliance action under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 led to civil proceedings against two fuel suppliers. This action resulted in the Federal Court granting injunctions to stop the supply of non-compliant diesel by these suppliers.
Outcome 2, program 2.1
Deliverables
Deliverables |
PBS Target |
Results |
|---|---|---|
National Waste Policy Implementation Plan agreed and implemented. |
Yes |
National Waste Policy Implementation Plan released July 2010. National Waste Policy Implementation Plan Status Report released November 2010. Seven cluster working groups were established to implement the strategies of the National Waste Policy. |
Product Stewardship Framework legislation implemented. |
Yes |
See case study 1 Product Stewardship Act 2011. |
Fuel quality standards maintained and emerging fuels assessed for possible regulation. |
Yes |
Main road transport fuels covered by a fuel quality standard. |
Comprehensive assessment and compliance program in place under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 [# fuel samples taken and analysed]. |
3 000 |
2 983 fuel samples taken and analysed. |
Environmentally sustainable management and reuse of used oil through the Product Stewardship for Oil Program. |
Yes |
Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000 administered effectively |
Maintain and report on national air quality standards and develop effective emissions strategies. |
NEPM varied |
Published the State of the Air in Australia report 1999–2008. The review of the Ambient Air Quality National Environment Protection Measures completed with the report to go to National Environment Protection Council late 2011. |
Emission levels of listed substances from industrial facilities required to report under the National Pollutant Inventory are monitored and reported [% of facilities identified and reported during previous year]. |
100 |
For 2009–10 reporting year, 4 213 facilities reported on 85 substances. Note 2010–11 reporting will be published in 2012. |
The movement of hazardous waste to or from Australia is subject to statutory assessment and cases of illegal movements are investigated and prevented [% permit applications assessed or being assessed]. |
100 |
Assessed 33 applications for permits to import and export hazardous wastes. All permit applications were processed within the statutory timeframes. |
Suspected illegal traffic cases investigated or under investigation in accordance with the published departmental compliance and enforcement policy [%]. |
100 |
All cases were or are managed together with the department’s investigation unit. An intelligence project is also under way which includes ongoing compliance and evaluation activities. |
Assessment of chemicals and genetically modified organisms for potential environmental impact and preparation of risk management recommendations [environmental risks assessed or being assessed %]. |
100 |
Completed risk assessments of environmental impact and management advice for 250 chemicals and seven genetically modified organisms with 95% provided within timeframe. |
Application of effective import and export licensing and quota systems for ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases, and implementation of end-use controls to minimise emissions of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases:
|
95 100 |
100% 100% |
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
KPIs |
PBS Target |
Results |
|---|---|---|
Implementation of National Waste Policy:
|
Yes Yes |
EPHC endorsed the National Waste Policy Implementation Plan on 5 July 2010. Met or meeting major policy outcomes. |
Product Stewardship Framework legislation established. |
Yes |
See case study 1 Product Stewardship Act 2011. |
Transport fuels supplied in Australia assessed that meet legislated quality standards [%]. |
95 |
97% |
Volume of used oil recovered for re-use under the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2002 (three year average) [megalitres] |
>250 |
269 megalitres were recovered in 2010–11. The three year average was also 269 megalitres. |
Ambient concentrations of key air pollutants comply with all national air quality standards [%]. |
95 |
All key pollutants, except ozone and particles on occasions, complied with National Environment Protection Measures standards in major urban airsheds. |
National Pollutant Inventory published annually by statutory date of 31 March. |
Yes |
The annual publication of National Pollutant Inventory data was successfully completed by 31 March. |
Assessments of chemicals and genetically modified organisms undertaken [#]. Chemicals assessed under service level agreements [#]. |
Approx 250 |
Yes |
Genetically modified organisms assessed within statutory timeframes [%]. |
95 |
Yes |
Assessments of chemicals and genetically modified organisms undertaken [#] chemicals assessed under service level agreements. |
12 |
Yes |
Use of ozone depleting substances and emissions of synthetic greenhouse gases—Montreal Protocol obligations met and data provided for National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. |
Yes |
Yes |
Resources
The following resources relate to information referred to in Outcome 2, Sustainable Environment.
Air quality
www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/pollutants.html
Environment Protection and Heritage Council
www.ephc.gov.au/news
Hazardous waste
www.environment.gov.au/settlements/chemicals/hazardous-waste
Ozone
www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone
Primary teaching resources
www.npi.gov.au/teachers/teachers-primary.html
Reducing pollution
www.npi.gov.au/reduce
State of the Air in Australia 1999–2008
www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/publications/state-of-the-air/index.html
The National Pollutant Inventory
www.npi.gov.au/
Waste policy
www.environment.gov.au/wastepolicy/about
Plastic recycling at Visy Recycling Centre in Hume, ACT. (Visy Recycling Centre)
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