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Environment Budget Overview 2005-06

Environment and Heritage Portfolio

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Maintaining a comprehensive approach

The new and recent measures outlined so far build on a proud record of achievement, supported by historic levels of funding across Government.

In the Environment and Heritage portfolio, the Government's milestones and achievements are tracked against six themes: climate change; land and inland water; coasts and oceans; heritage; the impacts of human settlements; and the Antarctic; together with the activities of the Bureau of Meteorology.

Climate change

Australia is threatened by climate change in two ways. First, future climate change is expected to bring more frequent extreme weather events and second, Australia's strong economy is heavily dependent upon the domestic use and export of our abundant and valuable fossil fuel reserves and is therefore potentially vulnerable to any poorly designed climate change response measures.

Energy accounts for 68 per cent of our national emissions and this percentage is rising. Energy sector emissions must be reduced as part of an effective climate change response in a way that minimises adverse economic impacts. Through current measures and partnerships with government, industry and the broader community, Australia is expected to deliver annual energy emissions abatement of 94 million tonnes by 2008-12, the period relevant to current Kyoto emissions targets. This has us on track to meet our international commitment to reducing overall emissions to 108 per cent of 1990 levels by 2008-12. This will be done while maintaining a vibrant energy sector and a prosperous economy.

The Government remains committed to developing a robust and comprehensive global response to climate change. Australia's challenge is to deliver a response to climate change that meets our international obligations and reduces our greenhouse signature, while maintaining a strong economy that provides for the well being of all Australians. The Australian Government's climate change strategy will meet this challenge by focusing and integrating measures in the following strategic areas:

Emissions management - focussing on targeted measures to deliver on current commitments, while preparing Australia to respond to potential long-term emissions constraints. Measures will integrate greenhouse issues into business and community decision making, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the uptake of energy efficiency and low/zero emission technologies. Some of these measures are being jointly implemented with the Industry, Tourism and Resources portfolio.

An example of how the Government is putting these policies into action is the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) which works to oversee the implementation of the Government's Mandatory Renewable Energy Target.

International engagement - contributing to the development of an effective global response to climate change. Australia continues to participate actively through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and in other relevant international forums where the Environment and Heritage portfolio works closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as in international plurilateral technology partnerships, where the Environment and Heritage portfolio works closely with the Industry, Tourism and Resources portfolio.

Impacts and adaptation - addressing the risks, capturing the opportunities and preparing Australia for the impacts of climate change, through the National Climate Change Adaptation Programme.

Science and measurement - building our understanding of the science of climate change and our capacity to measure greenhouse emission trends accurately through the Australian Climate Change Science Programme in partnership with leading science agencies, notably the CSIRO and the Australian Academy of Sciences.

Palmer Valley Station - Solar Power System

Palmer Valley Station is a large cattle station, owned by Ted and Sheri Fogarty, 150 kilometres south of Alice Springs. Power requirements for the station used to be met by a diesel generator, running for approximately 16 hours per day. This cost the Fogartys over $20,000 a year making 24-hour power too expensive to consider.

The Fogartys sought a more cost-effective and reliable power system that could offer 24-hour power without additional fuel costs. They chose to install a photovoltaic (solar) array, inverter and batteries to complement their diesel generator. The Australian Government's Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme provided 50 per cent of the costs of the new components. They are impressed with the system's efficiency and being able to use the sun to provide most of their power, "under the new hybrid system, the sun does most of the work and we only need to run the engines for two or three hours a day to keep the batteries topped up. Everything we run now is solar friendly - such as low wattage freezers and special lights that don't draw too much power."

The Fogartys are also realising greater benefits than they had anticipated. Mrs Fogarty commented, "when we first installed our 24-hour solar power system, we only thought of the dollar savings. The convenience of having 24-hour power for our family and staff, and the peacefulness of it, outweighs everything." By reducing reliance on imported diesel, this project reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides long-term economic benefits for Australia.

See: www.greenhouse.gov.au; www.orer.gov.au; www.industry.gov.au; and www.dfat.gov.au/environment/climate.

Land and inland waters

The outstanding diversity of life supported by Australia's 7.6 million square kilometres of land and fresh waters is threatened by weed and feral pest invasion, disease, poor fire management, urban development and overgrazing.

The Australian Government is implementing a range of natural resource management approaches to encourage ecologically sustainable land use, prevent land and water decline, and ensure fresh water is available for the environment and for communities.

The most significant is the $3 billion Natural Heritage Trust, which, in parallel with the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP) (a joint commitment of $1.4 billion with the states and territories), provides a long-term, coordinated approach to tackling the major environmental challenges facing our nation. DEH and DAFF jointly deliver these programmes. This year the Government will finish accrediting integrated natural resource management plans under the Trust and National Action Plan, and increase its focus on implementing regional investment plans.

Conserving biodiversity - The Government will work with state and territory governments to develop a national programme to address biodiversity decline, and develop a detailed plan to achieve the objectives of the 2004 National Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan. The Maintaining Australia's Biodiversity Hotspots Programme will protect biodiversity in hotspots by providing incentives for landholders and by helping private conservation groups to buy and protect land.

Protected species - Recovery plans for over 800 species are now in place or in preparation, and multi-species regional recovery plans are being piloted in Western Australia, South Australia and Norfolk Island. The Government continues to fund recovery actions for threatened species through the Trust regional investments and engages community efforts through programmes such as the Threatened Species Network.

Pests and weeds - The Government will support development of the National Invasive Species Framework and the National Pest Animal Strategy, and begin a review of the National Weeds Strategy. In addition, the Government will continue to use Trust funding to develop biological control agents for weeds like Mimosa pigra, bridal creeper and salvinia.

Native vegetation - The rate of loss of native vegetation is expected to drop significantly over the next three years, in part due to agreements negotiated with the states and territories under the Trust and NAP. Ongoing work with the states and territories includes:

Another focus of activity is the development of information and incentives for private landholders. The Government will hold the 2005 National Conservation Incentives Forum, a major training initiative with the Trust for Nature (Victoria). To protect our rangelands, the Government will develop better management practice guidance, assess market-based incentives to encourage sustainable rangeland management, and progressively build the Australian Collaborative Rangelands Information System.

To ensure that new programmes achieve the best outcomes for biodiversity, the Government will assess the biodiversity benefits of investments.

Parks and reserves - Through the Director of National Parks, the Government will continue to manage the 20 national parks and reserves established under the EPBC Act including Kakadu, Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Booderee National Parks. Support will continue for the National Reserve System and the Indigenous Protected Areas Programmes under the Trust.

Protected wetlands - The Government will continue to identify wetlands of international importance - Ramsar wetlands - and update the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia. Assistance for landholders will include advice on the sustainable management of wetlands based on rigorous research and a Ramsar Managers Network.

River and groundwater basins - Since 1996 the Government has committed over $1 billion to restore the health of the River Murray. The Australian Government is contributing $200 million to support the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council's ‘first step' decision to recover around 500 gigalitres of water at a cost of $500 million over five years. The Government has also committed $67 million over four years from 2004–05 to fund capital projects and education activities, and oversee salinity mitigation works in the Murray-Darling Basin. This includes funding towards the Murray-Darling Basin Commission's eight year $150 million Environmental Works and Measures Programme. Thirty-eight projects under this programme are under way, including the watering of drought-stressed river red gums and the construction of fishways.

The Government will continue to support and work with the states and territories to protect the Lake Eyre Basin (the intergovernmental agreement is due for review in early 2006). It will also continue to support joint remedial works in the Great Artesian Basin and the WA Carnarvon Artesian Basin including the capping of old, free flowing bores and replacing bores with pipes ($42.7 million over 2004-09).

Active participation in the Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) and the Convention to Combat Desertification will continue. This includes helping to negotiate an international regime on genetic resources, and sharing Australian expertise in wetlands and desertification issues.

Fishways

Fishway monitoring, design and construction has been a successful cooperative venture between scientists, agencies and communities in the Murray-Darling Basin. The Australian Government, one of six signatories to the Murray–Darling Basin Agreement, is co-funding this programme which is an important step in the long-term ecological recovery of the River Murray.

Fishways, which consist of a series of interconnected pools, make it possible for native fish species to migrate upstream past weirs at any time. A programme is currently underway to construct a series of fishways along the River Murray to allow fish unimpeded passage from the sea to Hume Dam, a distance of 2225 kilometres.

See: www.nht.gov.au; www.nrm.gov.au; www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity; www.deh.gov.au/land; www.deh.gov.au/parks; www.deh.gov.au/water; and ww.napswq.gov.au.

Coasts and oceans

Australia's coasts are in relatively good condition but under increasing pressure near agricultural and urban areas. The main risks are reduced water quality and loss of habitat. This year the Australian Government will invest approximately $40 million in coastal protection under the Natural Heritage Trust.

Integrated management - The Government will continue to work with the states, territories and local authorities to implement the national framework for integrated coastal and oceans management. In addition, this year the Government will continue to implement the south-eastern regional marine plan, focus on the northern and Torres Strait regional marine plans, and commence work for the south-western regional marine plan.

Great Barrier Reef - Last year, through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Government created the world's largest network of highly protected marine areas – a third of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is now highly protected. The Government will continue to support commercial fishermen and others affected by the changes through the $56.3 million structural adjustment package.

Coastal pollution - The Government will work with the Queensland Government to implement the Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, and support water quality improvement plans under the Coastal Catchments Initiative ($18.1 million over 2002-06) in water quality hotspots, including the Great Barrier Reef, Peel-Harvey Estuarine System and Moreton Bay.

Introduced marine pests - The Government will continue its work, with state and territory governments, to establish a permanent National System for the Prevention and Management of Introduced Marine Pest Incursions. The Government signed the Intergovernmental Agreement on a National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions, on 15 April 2005, with Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

Marine protected areas - Ongoing work to identify and declare new marine protected areas in Commonwealth waters through regional marine planning will see further extensions to the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas.

Sustainable fisheries - Australia now has the third highest number of seafood products of any country endorsed by the international Marine Stewardship Council. The Government will continue to assess whether the management of Commonwealth and export fisheries is ecologically sustainable, and to work with other countries in our region to conserve shared fish stocks, such as southern blue fin tuna.

International engagement - The Government will continue to participate in the Convention on Migratory Species and the International Whaling Commission to reduce the risks faced by protected marine and migratory species. Continuing participation in the International Maritime Organisation will help to prevent and control marine pollution from shipping, sea dumping and sea installations such as artificial reefs. The Government will also continue to call for protected areas on the high seas through the United Nations, and to help Pacific island countries and APEC members with oceans management issues.

Arafura Sea Voyage

Marine scientists and Indigenous communities learned from each other in a unique collaborative voyage off northern Australia late in 2004. Traditional owners and Aboriginal Sea Rangers from Arnhem Land joined marine scientists on a marine survey of inshore waters around the Arnhem Coast and Arafura Sea - the first investigation of these remote waters since the 19th Century expeditions of Philip Parker King on the Mermaid and John Lort Stokes on the Beagle. Members of Indigenous communities provided guidance on research sites and traditional knowledge of species for scientists involved in the project. All data and reports from the survey will be made available to the Indigenous communities around the Arnhem Land coast. The Australian Government provided funding for this activity, in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, the Northern Land Council and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

See: www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity; www.deh.gov.au/coasts; www.oceans.gov.au; www.gbrmpa.gov.au; and www.nrm.gov.au.

Natural, Indigenous and historic heritage

Australia's unique natural, Indigenous and historic heritage makes a significant contribution to our sense of national identity and purpose. The Howard Government has introduced a new National Heritage System (including an independent expert advisory body, the Australian Heritage Council) to identify, recognise and protect places of outstanding heritage value to the nation. This system, underpinned by the Government's Distinctively Australian programme, also includes mechanisms to protect places of particular importance to indigenous people.

World Heritage - The Government is committed to the nomination of appropriate places for the World Heritage list, and the protection of Australia's existing World Heritage Areas. For example, the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne were recently inscribed on the World Heritage List, while the Daintree Conservation Initiative is providing $6 million over three years to assist in the conservation of heritage values in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

National Heritage - The Government is committed to the progressive addition of Australia's most important heritage places to the National Heritage List. Importantly, the protection afforded to these sites does not constrain activities that remain consistent with their protected values, thereby permitting activities such as tourism and recreation to co-exist with heritage values.

Eureka Stockade Gardens

National Heritage places have a significance that extends beyond local or regional borders, and their values are protected by the Australian Government under the EPBC Act. Yet this is not just a list of what needs protection or places we like, it is also a list that defines our nation.

On 26 November 2004 the Eureka Stockade Gardens, described as the place that gave Australia a 'fair go' was inscribed on the National Heritage List. In announcing the listing, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said it was fitting that the Gardens were protected to the full extent of Commonwealth law. "This was a place where heavily taxed Australian gold miners stood up to politicians and the establishment and demanded that they be treated with equity and fairness and have a say in how they were governed”, Senator Campbell said. “It was a watershed moment that tragically claimed the lives of an estimated 30 miners and several troopers, but those deaths helped to create a foundation for significant reform that resonates even today."

Commonwealth Heritage - The Government is committed to improving the way it identifies and protects the heritage values of places it owns or manages ensuring the natural, Indigenous and historic values of these places are protected to the full extent of the Commonwealth's powers.

Indigenous Heritage - The Government has re-affirmed its commitment to preserve Australia's Indigenous heritage through the Indigenous Heritage Programme, which supports the identification and maintenance of Indigenous heritage sites. In addition, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act continues to provide protection for sites and objects, and the Indigenous Advisory Committee established under the EPBC Act, provides advice to the Minister.

Heritage Objects - The Australian Government is also ensuring that Australia's significant heritage objects are identified, protected and preserved through the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976, the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 and the National Cultural Heritage Account.

Sydney Harbour - Through the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (the Trust), the Government is ensuring that significant former Defence and other Commonwealth lands on or near the foreshores of Sydney Harbour are conserved and preserved for the benefit of present and future generations. Providing public access to the lands, rehabilitating their natural values and interpreting their histories are important objectives of the Trust. Recent examples of the Trust's work include calls for expressions of interest in leasing Trust buildings and facilities on a number of sites, the implementation of refurbishment, landscaping, civil and conservation works on most sites and the preparation of Cockatoo Island for a three-day music and cultural festival over the 2005 Easter long weekend.

See: www.deh.gov.au/heritage; www.heritage.gov.au; www.ahc.gov.au; whc.unesco.org; and www.harbourtrust.gov.au.

Impacts of human settlements

Most Australians live and work in cities and towns and the challenge for the community and the Government is to achieve the right balance between urban development and environment protection.

The Government is working with industry and other governments on nationally significant environment protection and heritage issues with a special focus on standard setting for air quality and vehicle emissions.

Water efficiency - The Government's mandatory, national Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme requires a range of water-using appliances or products to carry an efficiency label. This Scheme is expected to save the community more than $600 million through reduced water and energy bills by 2021.

Hazardous waste - The Government ensures that hazardous wastes are exported from or imported into Australia in accordance with our international obligations, notably under the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal, given effect by the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Imports and Exports) Act 1989.

Reduction of plastic bags - Plastic bag use has significantly decreased since the Government backed the Australian Retailers Association Code of Practice for the Management of Plastic Bags in 2003. Since then, signatories to the code of practice have reduced plastic bag use by 26.9 per cent, while usage across the entire retail sector has reduced by 21 per cent. The next target under the ARA Code of practice is to achieve a 50 per cent reduction by the end of 2005. The government is also negotiating with retailers to achieve a complete phase-out of all but essential plastic bags by the end of 2008.

Industry partnerships - The Government is working with a range of industries to minimise waste and improve environmental performance targeting packaging, plastic bags, automotive wastes (such as tyres and oil), and electrical and electronic products (in particular, televisions and computers).

Pollution information - The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) provides Australians with free access to information on the types and amounts of pollutants being emitted in their community. The number of facilities reporting to the NPI has tripled since this programme commenced in 1998–99.

Air pollution - The Government is continuing to target two of the main contributors to urban air pollution-motor vehicles (through vehicle emissions and fuel standards) and wood heaters (through a number of strategies to address air pollution). The Government will also continue to develop and review air quality standards, through National Environment Protection Measures, and give attention to indoor air issues through management strategies to improve the quality of indoor air in non-industrial settings.

Oil recycling - In 2001, the Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000 enacted a levy on lubricating oil to fund benefit payments to recyclers of used oil. Since then, the scheme has increased oil recycling by more than 40 per cent. In addition, the Government has funded the installation of over 700 used oil collection facilities across Australia.

Uranium mines - Working with the Northern Territory Government and other stakeholders, through a programme of scientific research, monitoring and assessment supported by legislation, the Government is protecting the environment at uranium mines in the Alligator Rivers Region.

Chemicals and new organisms - The Government has regulatory systems in place for the assessment and management of risks (including environmental risks) associated with the introduction of new chemicals, pesticides and genetically modified organisms. In conjunction with the states and territories, the Government is developing a national environmental risk management framework to ensure that regulatory decisions about the environmental risks of industrial, agricultural and veterinary chemicals are given consistent and systematic effect.

Ozone protection and climate change - Australia remains ahead of schedule under the Montreal Protocol in phasing out ozone depleting substances (ODS). Domestically, the Government is progressively extending national regulation of end uses of ODS and their synthetic greenhouse gas replacements. Regulations are either in place or proposed for the following sectors: methyl bromide; refrigeration and air-conditioning; fire protection; foams; and aerosols.

Cycle Connect - Bicycle lockers and cages at public transport nodes

Cycle Connect is a $2.4 million grants programme that encourages greater use of bicycles for trips to and from city bus and train stations, by funding installation of secure bicycle parking facilities. Substituting short car trips with bicycle rides is one way of reducing congestion, greenhouse gas and air pollution while keeping fit and healthy at the same time.

In 2004-05, Cycle Connect grants were made to governments in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, extending existing schemes by 1300 lockers and cage spaces through partnership arrangements with State governments. Bendigo received a grant for 20 new lockers and the Fremantle railway station is getting a secure cage facility to house over 100 bicycles. A second round of grants totalling $1.2 million will be made in 2005-06.

See: www.deh.gov.au/industry; www.deh.gov.au/atmosphere; and www.npi.gov.au.

Antarctica

Antarctica influences the global climate because of its immense size and low temperatures. Together with the Southern Ocean, the region directly influences Australia's climate, weather and marine industries.

Australia has been a key supporter of the Antarctic Treaty since it came into force in 1961 and takes a lead role in the Antarctic Treaty System. This allows the Australian Government to be an effective advocate for protecting the Antarctic environment, undertaking research, and preserving the Antarctic for peaceful use.

The Australian Government's Antarctic programme has a number of elements which will be supported by the Government's new $46.3 million Antarctic Airlink. These elements are:

Antarctic Treaty System - Through the Antarctic Treaty System, the Australian Government is pursuing an improved international management framework for tourism and other non-government activities in Antarctica.

International engagement - The Government is working with the parties of the Madrid Protocol to put in place rules for liability for environmental damage which include measures to ensure adequate response to environmental emergencies. In addition, Australia and New Zealand are leading work within the Committee on Environmental Protection to develop State of the Antarctic environmental reports.

Protect fisheries - Significant achievements include being instrumental in getting the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to adopt a Centralized Vessel Monitoring System to help combat illegal fishing, and strengthening Australia's fisheries enforcement capability near Heard Island through patrols (five vessels have been apprehended in the past four years).

Seabirds - Under the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, the Australian Government will support work to reduce the impacts of longline fishing, tackle emergency situations where a particular species of albatross or petrel is in rapid decline, and control or eradicate non-native species threatening breeding colonies.

Whaling - The Government is working through the International Whaling Commission for a global ban on commercial whaling and an end to so-called ‘scientific' whaling, to maintain the Southern Ocean Sanctuary, and to promote the South Pacific Whale Sanctuary proposal. Australia is also encouraging coordination of cetacean conservation measures at a regional level.

Research - The Government will provide logistical and financial support for the four key research programmes of the Antarctic Science Strategy 2004-09 (ice, oceans, atmosphere and climate; southern ocean ecosystems; adaptation to environmental change; and impacts of human activities in Antarctica).

Human impacts on Antarctica - The Government will ensure that its Antarctic stations minimise their impact on the environment by continuing to clean up old waste dumps and continuing to investigate energy conservation options. The Government will also make sure the Antarctic Environmental Management System continues to meet the ISO 14001 standard.

Reducing the human footprint on Antarctica

The Australian Antarctic Division's Environmental Management System (EMS), certified to the international ISO 14001 standard in 2002, is a systematic means of managing the Australian Antarctic Program's interaction with the unique Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean environments.

A key goal of the Australian Antarctic Division's EMS is the reduction of the consumption of fuel and energy - operating and supporting the Australian Antarctic Program requires approximately 3 million litres of diesel fuel annually. In reducing the dependence on fossil fuels, Australia has taken a leading role in developing and implementing alternative energy sources in Antarctica.

During 2003 and 2004, two large wind turbines, which can generate around 600kW of electrical energy between them, were installed at Mawson station. Since their installation Mawson station has been able to reduce its diesel fuel consumption by over 25 per cent.

See: www.aad.gov.au.

Meteorology

The Bureau of Meteorology (the Bureau) contributes to Australia's social, economic, cultural and environmental goals by providing essential weather, climate, hydrological and oceanographic services and by undertaking research into environment-related issues such as global climate change, ozone depletion and air quality. The Bureau will spend $10 million on environment-focussed project activities in 2005-06, including:

Ocean forecasting system - Jointly developed by the Bureau, CSIRO and the Royal Australian Navy, this system will generate routine analyses and forecasts of the marine environment, providing information on ocean currents and changes in the ocean that affect maritime and defence operations, the marine environment and regional and global climate.

E-Water Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) - The Bureau will participate as one of the research providers in a new $40.25 million CRC to be known as ‘eWater'. This will strengthen its involvement with the water industry in areas such as radar rainfall applications and the use of numerical weather modelling products for improved water management.

Air quality prediction system - An air quality prediction system has been implemented in Sydney and Melbourne based on the Bureau's weather prediction model developed for the Sydney Olympics. An extension of the system to the Adelaide airshed is now planned following the development of the necessary emissions inventory.

Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre - The Bureau continues to contribute to the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre through the conduct of meteorological research and the provision of operational support. Advances have already been made in the determination of the climatology of fire danger and the forecasting of wind changes, which are of vital importance during fire-fighting operations.

Radar network and Doppler services upgrade - The installation of radars as part of the Government's five-year, $62.2 million commitment to the upgrade and modernisation of the Bureau of Meteorology's vital weather radar network continues. The deployment and operation of technologically advanced Doppler radars will improve the Bureau's ability to detect and predict the development of severe weather events including large hailstorms, damaging wind squalls, tornadoes and heavy rain.

Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator (ACCESS) - The Bureau and CSIRO will develop a coupled climate and earth system simulator to create models and modelling outcomes that support climate and numerical weather modelling research and operational systems.

See: www.bom.gov.au.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Portfolio

The Australian Government's environmental policies and programmes support our primary industries by applying the latest environmental knowledge to improve productivity and sustainability. Farmers and other primary producers are key stakeholders in the achievement of national natural resource management outcomes.

DEH works closely with DAFF to achieve shared environmental objectives. Examples include joint management of the Natural Heritage Trust and NAP, and shared responsibilities for issues such as water efficiency and pests and weeds.

National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality - NAP aims to halt the spread of dryland salinity and improve water quality. At the same time, the Government is accelerating on-ground investment, with expenditure of over $246 million approved as at February 2005. All regional plans and investment strategies are expected to be completed by mid-2005. The Government is also trialling a range of market-based instruments to achieve the NAP's aims.

Environmental management systems - The Government is directing $31.2 million of Trust funding towards assisting primary producers to establish environmental management systems.

Healthy soils - The Government will involve farmers and community groups in demonstrating the benefits of better management practices for soil health ($5 million over four years from the Trust).

Weeds -Management and control of weeds and associated production losses cost the agricultural industry around $4 billion each year. The new $40 million Defeating the Weeds Menace programme will target the nation's most threatening weeds, focusing on on-ground action and improved control measures, including biological control.

National Landcare Programme - The Government is helping to increase the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of Australian primary industries through improved management of natural resources. The primary mechanism to achieve these aims is the provision of support to the landcare movement for on-ground projects. The landcare movement is a voluntary community group movement which aims to improve natural resource management. There are 4000 groups operating nationally with 40 per cent of Australian farmers as members.

Forestry - The Government continues to advance the sustainable use and management of Australia's forest resources. The Government is directing $3.45 million Trust funding towards development of commercial environmental forestry in collaboration with the CSIRO.

Fisheries - DAFF and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) will continue to fight illegal fishing and make sure our Commonwealth fisheries are ecologically sustainable. To date AFMA has prepared environmental assessment reports for all major Commonwealth fisheries.

Economic analysis - The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics (ABARE) will continue to analyse the potential economic and environmental impacts of policies on climate change, water resource management, and fisheries.

See: www.affa.gov.au; www.waterforrivers.org.au; www.abare.gov.au; and www.afma.gov.au

Foreign Affairs and Trade Portfolio

The Ambassador for Environment and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) work closely with other departments to advance Australia's environmental objectives in international and regional forums.

The Ambassador and DFAT have the lead on international climate change negotiations, working closely on technical matters with the Environment and Heritage and Industry, Tourism and Resources portfolios, and with other portfolios as appropriate.

DFAT works closely with the Environment and Heritage and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolios in Australia's negotiation of multilateral environment agreements and international legal frameworks, including on sustainable development, biological diversity, high seas, whaling, forestry, hazardous waste, and trade-related environmental issues.

In 2005-06, AusAID will provide an estimated $305 million for activities that directly address environmental problems in developing countries (around 12 per cent of Official Development Assistance expenditure). Priorities include promoting the environmental needs of the Asia-Pacific region, and focusing Australia's support for the environment in developing countries on activities that impact on poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods. International assistance for environmental sustainability targets natural resource management, oceans, the atmosphere, biological diversity, deforestation, and desertification.

Other Government Portfolios

Activities undertaken by other Commonwealth agencies range from implementing environmental management systems in the day-to-day operations of government agencies, to science, research and industry partnerships.

Science and research - New knowledge, skills and technologies underpin sound environmental policy and on-ground solutions. Significant initiatives include:

Community incentives - The Government provides incentives to encourage and support environmental sustainability in the community including:

Resource and heritage protection

Industry partnerships - Industry plays a vital role in achieving sustainable development. By working together with industry, both domestically and in international forums, the Government coordinates its environmental agenda with the requirements of Australian industry.

Indigenous - The Government is committed to ensuring the full participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in ecologically sustainable development. This commitment is being met through programmes that provide for the identification, protection, preservation, and management of cultural property and areas of significance to Indigenous people.

For example, a number of Indigenous Employment Policy projects managed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations contribute to ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance. These projects support Indigenous participation in areas such as conservation, land and resource management and horticulture. Participants are also working on conservation and restoration projects, the sustainable harvesting of natural resources, and being trained to work as park rangers in national parks.

Further information on the environment-related programmes of various Australian Government portfolios can be found at their respective web sites, which can be accessed through: www.directory.gov.au.

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