| Program |
Lead agency |
Aims |
Comments |
| Aboriginal Employment Development Policy Program |
ATSIC |
To enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or groups to undertake community development activities; to provide community development activities; to provide training to enable more efficient performance of existing duties and achieve more effective self-management; to promote self employment opportunities |
|
| Land ownership and management |
ATSIC |
To establish for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people secure title to land, a significant degree of control over management of that land, and the capacity to benefit from resources on that land |
|
| Aboriginal heritage protection |
ATSIC/DCA |
To return ownership of significant cultural property to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; to ensure that indigenous people are involved in the administration and management of programs to protect and conserve their cultural property; to ensure effective protection of indigenous sites and objects of significance |
|
| Indigenous Cultural Heritage Protection Program |
DCA Heritage Protection Section (06) 279 1000 |
To foster better protection, management and use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander places |
Non-grant |
| Return of Cultural Property Program |
DCA Heritage Protection Section (06) 279 1000 |
To facilitate the return of significant Aboriginal material, in particular skeletal remains, and secret/sacred objects to their rightful indigenous owners |
|
| Contract Employment Program for Aboriginals in Natural and Cultural Resource Management |
ANCA Ms Kim Orchard (06) 250 0326 |
To increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in natural and cultural resource management and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment strategies with State and Territory nature conservation agencies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations |
Grant Operational Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local Government agencies, non-government organisations that are incorporated |
| Program |
Lead agency |
Aims |
Comments |
| Historic Shipwrecks Program |
DCA Heritage Protection Section (06) 279 1000 |
Provides funding to State and Territory authorities, including Norfolk Island and the Australian Institute of Maritime Archaeology, to locate, identify and conserve historic shipwrecks and associated relics |
|
| Management Plan for Heard Island |
DEST |
To preserve and manage the external and McDonald Islands territory so as to protect its environment and indigenous wildlife |
|
| Ocean Rescue 2000 |
DEST John Gillies (06) 274 1432 |
To provide a national vision, national objectives and programs for marine conservation in Australia |
|
| National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas |
DEST John Gillies (06) 274 1432 |
To develop a national representative system of marine protected areas |
|
| National Marine Conservation Strategy |
DEST John Gillies (06) 274 1432 |
To develop a long-term conservation strategy for the marine environment |
|
| Torres Strait Islands Project |
DEST |
To help the Torres Strait Islander Community develop a local marine conservation strategy |
|
| Wessel Islands Project |
DEST |
To help the Wessel Island Aboriginal Community develop a local marine conservation strategy |
|
| Torres Strait Marine Conservation Planning Framework |
DEST, QDEH, ICC Kym Seebohm (06) 274 1470 |
To develop a marine conservation planning framework for Torres Strait |
|
| National Estates Grants Program |
AHC Anne Robertson 271 2151 |
To provide assistance to the States and Territories, and organisations within them, to identify, conserve and present the National Estate |
Grant Ongoing |
| National Reserve System Co-operative Program |
ANCA |
To develop a national system of protected areas that is comprehensive, adequate and representative and that is managed consistently to international standards |
Non-grant Operational |
| Endangered Species Program |
ANCA |
To prevent the extinction due to human causes of endangered native species and ecological communities, including marine animals such as whales and turtles |
Non-grant Operational |
| Marine Wildlife Conservation |
ANCA Ms Astrida Mednis (06) 250 0273 |
To administer and enforce wildlife protection legislation in Commonwealth waters |
Non-grant Operational |
| Migratory Species Program |
ANCA |
To conserve migratory species that spend time in Australia or in Australian waters and thereby fulfil Australia's international obligations pertaining to the conservation of migratory species |
Non-grant Operational |
| National Wetlands Conservation and Management Program |
ANCA Mr Bill Phillips |
To promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands in accordance with Australia's obligations under the Ramsar Convention |
Non-grant Operational |
| One Billion Trees |
ANCA/Greening Mr Chris Mobbs (06) 250 0337 |
To help the community plant one billion Australia trees by the year 2000 |
Grant Operational Community groups via Greening Australia |
| Save the Bush |
ANCA Mr Chris Mobbs (06) 250 0337 |
To encourage, facilitate and support programs and activities associated with the protection, management and investigation of remnant native vegetation that directly or indirectly assist with the maintenance of biological diversity in Australia |
Grant Operational Communities, State Agencies and researchers |
| States Co-operative Assistance Program |
ANCA Ms Gillian Lee (06) 250 0306 |
Cooperative conservation projects of national or international significance related to wildlife, national parks and reserves in the States and Territories |
Non-grant Operational |
| Program |
Lead agency |
Aims |
Comments |
| Recreational Fishing Policy |
DPIE Murray Johns (06) 272 4813 |
To ensure quality fishing and maintain and enhance fish stocks and their habitats |
No Commonwealth funding |
| Fisheries Management within the Australian Fishing Zone |
AFMA Bruce Phillips Chief Scientist (06) 272 5184 |
To manage Australia's fisheries for sustainability and economic efficiency |
|
| Research and Development Program in Aquaculture |
FRDC Peter Dundas (06) 285 4485 |
To enable the Australian mariculture industry to realise its full potential |
Non-grant Individuals and institutions involved in research are eligible |
| MARINET: networking program |
DIST The Director, Marine Industries (06) 276 1199 |
An initiative under the Marine Industries Development Program designed to facilitate and support information exchange and collaboration between marine industries, marine science, research and education institutions |
Non-grant |
| National aquaculture research programs |
OCS Co-operative Research Centre for Aquaculture |
To provide a focus for a national research strategy for aquaculture and the ecological basis for a sustainable industry that is internationally competitive and environmentally acceptable |
|
| National Fisheries Adjustment Program |
AFMA Richard Stevens (06) 272 5785 |
Provides seed money for fisheries adjustment programs in Commonwealth fisheries |
Grant or loan Government/industry funding Only Commonwealth fisheries are eligible |
| Program |
Lead agency |
Aims |
Comments |
| State of the marine environment report |
GBRMPA |
To provide information about conservation and management of the marine environment |
Report published March 1995. Subsequent reporting to be part of the State of the Environment Reporting process |
| Marine weather services |
Bureau of Meteorology |
To provide information on, and warning of, weather conditions that could endanger life and property in the coastal zone |
|
| Assessment and management of contaminated sites |
EPA, ANZECC, NHMRC, NOHSC |
To reduce or eliminate impacts of contaminated sites on health and the environment |
|
| National Pollutant Inventory |
EPA, ANZECC |
To decrease pollution by increasing awareness of its extent |
|
| National Water Quality Guidelines (part of the National Water Quality Strategy) |
EPA–ANZECC, DPIE–AWRC |
To identify environmental values, criteria and guidelines for: domestic water supplies, ecosystem protection (inland and marine), waters for recreation and aesthetics, agricultural water supplies, industrial water supplies |
|
| Environmental impact assessment |
EPA John Ashe Environment Assessment Branch (06) 274 1444 |
To ensure protection of the coastal environment through the assessment of the environmental impacts of proposals |
Non-grant |
| State of the environment reporting |
DEST (06) 274 1440 |
To identify issues and trends in the condition of the Australian environment |
|
| Port State Control Program |
Transport–AMSA |
To randomly inspect vessels visiting Australian ports. At least 25 per cent of foreign ships not inspected in Australia in the past six months are inspected. Currently 40 per cent of vessels are inspected. A target of 50 per cent by the year 2000 has been set for our region |
|
| ANZECC Maritime Accidents and Pollution Initiative |
EPA Dr Angela Ivanovici (06) 274 1602 |
In order to protect the marine environment, review current arrangements in relation to shipping and the environment and address the issues likely to have most impact on the marine environment. Issues include identification of sensitive areas and values, ballast water, waste minimisation and pollution prevention in ports, increase in scale and targeting of research, improve anti-fouling methods, enhancement of industry and IMO actions, and elimination of marine debris |
Non-grant Draft action plan prepared in consultation with all SCEP members, released for public comment in March 1995 |
| Program |
Lead agency |
Aims |
Comments |
| Understanding Science and Your Environment |
DEST-EPA, RACI |
Aimed at schools, industry and the wider community through service and community organisations and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, to raise public awareness of comparative risks and a broad range of environmental issues |
|
| Australian Heritage Research Program |
AHC Karl Bossard 271 2135 |
Funds major surveys and other projects that directly help the Heritage Commission to carry out its statutory role |
Non-grant Ongoing |
| National Wilderness Inventory |
AHC Jonathon Miller 271 2140 |
To measure wilderness quality values across a region and store them in a database |
Non-grant |
| Australian Biological Resources Study Participatory Program |
ANCA Ms Liz Visher (06) 250 9554 |
To provide support for research aimed at determining what plants and animals are found in Australia and their distribution |
Grant Operational researchers |
| Ocean Rescue 2000 National Marine Education program |
DEST Maria Simonelli (06) 274 1906 |
To inform all Australians on how to work together to safeguard the marine environment for the future. To provide accurate and timely information based on the latest marine research, targeting the general community, schools, the media, industry and recreational groups |
|
| National Marine Information System |
DEST-ERIN Wayne Slater (06) 274 1199 |
To develop a marine and coastal information system to effectively support decision makers in all spheres of government . To provide an information base to aid in identifying potential marine protected areas |
|
| Environmental education |
ANCA |
To foster understanding of natural areas, including marine parks and reserves and environments |
|
| Environmental Resources Information Network |
ERIN |
To draw together, upgrade and supplement information on the distribution of endangered species, vegetation types and heritage sites. To assist portfolio agencies in planning and decision making |
|
| Marine and Estuarine Protected Areas Inventory |
ANCA Mr Damian McRae (06) 250 0715 |
To provide a database of all Australian established marine parks and reserves |
Non-grant Major revision/update in progress. |
| Research and Surveys Program |
ANCA Mr John Henry (06) 250 0333 |
To make funds available to consultants for specific services related to national nature conservation issues |
Non-grant Operational |
| Air-sea interaction research |
Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre |
To improve understanding of processes at the air–sea interface and their role in determining patterns of weather and climate |
|
| Marine meteorological and oceanographic data collection |
Bureau of Meteorology |
To provide the database for routine marine services and weather and climate research |
|
| Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority-research and monitoring |
GBRMPA |
To initiate and fund research that will assist in the conservation and management of the Great Barrier Reef |
|
| Torres Strait Baseline Study |
GBRMPA |
To provide baseline data on biota and sediments in the Torres Strait region |
|
| Coastal Zone Research Program |
CSIRO |
To understand the processes by which land use and changes affect the coastal zone and to use this understanding to produce appropriate management tools, including an information base, for management |
|
| Projects |
|
|
|
| 1. Land use and water quality |
Dr Keith Smettem (077) 719 581 |
Examines how land use in rural catchments affects levels of nutrients, sediments and other contaminants in rivers and the entry of materials into the coastal zone |
|
| 2. In-stream processes |
Dr David Jones (02) 887 8851 |
Investigates the movement of contaminants in the streams and rivers leading into the estuary |
|
| 3. Estuarine mixing models |
Dr Denis Mackey (002) 325 213 |
Describes the movement of water in estuaries and what happens when they meet the sea. Allows prediction of chemical distribution in estuaries |
|
| 4. Sediments |
Dr Trevor Ward (09) 246 8288 |
Investigates the processes that transport pollutants to and from sediments, the biological effects of polluted sediments, and what happens to pollutants retained in sediments |
|
| 5. Marine eutrophocation |
Dr Hugh Kirkham (09) 246 8288 |
Concentrates on the impact of raised nutrient levels on the near-shore flora and fauna |
|
| 6. CAMRIS |
Dr Doug Cocks (06) 242 1741 |
Offers an information system to support management decision making in coastal zone areas |
|
| Coastal and marine geoscience projects: |
AGSO |
|
Non-grant |
| 1. Coastal and marine environmental geoscience |
(06) 249 9291 Dr Robert Burne |
Dr Robert Burne Provide the baseline geoscientific data and interpretations necessary for the sustainable development and integrated resource management of Australia's coastal zone |
|
| 2. Urban/coastal impacts |
Dr David Heggie (06) 249 9589 |
Provide high-quality scientific information for the development of environmental monitoring and management strategies for the estuarine coastal system |
|
| 3. Coastal and marine geoscience information system (COMARGIS) |
Colin Simpson (06) 249 9368 |
Improve geoscientific advice for management and monitoring of coastal environments to meet the requirements of ecologically sustainable development |
|
| 4. Cainozoic climates and paleoenvironments in Australia |
Dr Elizabeth Truswell (06) 249 9427 |
Enhance understanding of natural processes, leading to better informed policy decisions for mitigating the impacts of climate |
|
| 5. Co-operative Research Centre for the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Environment |
Dr Barry Wilcox (06) 249 9273 |
Enhance the knowledge base on which rational decisions can be made for Australian and international management and protection of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Achieve sustainable improvements in the simulation of global climate and predictions of climate and environmental change. |
|
| 6. North-West Shelf |
Dr Peter Harris (002) 207 888 |
Influence the economic development in the North-West Shelf region by promoting more efficient and cost-effective exploration. |
|
| 7. South-east margin |
Dr Neville Exon (06) 249 9347 |
Influence the economic development in the south-east margin region by promoting more efficient and effective exploration |
|
| 8. Law of the sea |
Dr Phil Symonds (06) 249 9490 |
Assist in formulation of policy and negotiations on maritime boundaries and in the definition of Australia's offshore jurisdiction (including publication of the offshore resource map series) |
|
| 9. Natural hazards mapping in the Australian Region |
Dr Wally Johnson (06) 249 9377 |
Provide hazard assessments in the Australian region, leading to improved hazard awareness and preparedness |
|
| Industry Innovation Programs |
DIST AusIndustry Inquiry Hotline (008) 026 121 |
To increase research, development projects and commercialisation of products, process and systems, so that Australian firms can improve their performance and win new markets |
Grant and non-grant programs are included. Call Hotline for more information |
| Coastal Processes and Resources |
AIMS |
To investigate and understand the physical and biological factors controlling ecological processes in coastal zone ecosystems. Emphasis has been on mangroves. Future emphasis will be on seagrasses, freshwater wetlands and coastal reefs |
|
| Coral Reef Ecosystems |
AIMS |
To understand the effects of human disturbance and exploitation of coral reefs within the context of natural spatial and temporal variation of coral systems |
|
| Environmental Studies and Biotechnology |
AIMS |
To investigate selected organisms, to determine how they respond to and record environmental conditions and to develop an understanding of their potential for mariculture or other potential commercial products |
|
| Tropical Oceanography |
AIMS |
To improve understanding of physical, biological and chemical processes in Australia's northern coastal shelf and oceanic waters |
|
| Information Management (establishment of the Australian GIS and development of the National Directory of Australian Resources to include comprehensive information on coastal data sets) |
DPIE–NRIC |
To improve the ability of information bases to contribute to policy development, decision making and resource management in coastal and marine environments |
|
| Program |
Lead agency |
Aims |
Comments |
|
National Landcare Program
National Landcare Program community component (nature conservation programs)
|
DPIE–ANCA
ANCA
Mr Chris Mobbs (06) 250 0337
|
To encourage nature conservation and the uptake of ecologically sustainable land management practices by managers of natural resources on both property and regional scales. To establish partnerships between community, industry and government, supported by community-based activities, economic and institutional reforms |
Incorporating components of One Billion Trees and Save the Bush |
| National Landcare Program community component (land and water elements) |
DPIE Ray Walker (06) 272 5560 |
To encourage self-help attitudes and capacity through locally based community groups in planning, promoting and implementing sustainable natural resource management practices on both property and regional levels |
Grants Community (Landcare) groups |
| National Landcare Program Commonwealth–State component |
DPIE Charles Willcocks (06) 272 4162 |
To pursue joint sustainable resource management initiatives in partnership with , State Governments (partnership agreements) that have the support of local governments, non-government organisations, industry and community groups |
Grants State agencies non-government organisations, Local Government and some Commonwealth authorities |
| National Landcare Program national component |
DPIE Lionel Woods (06) 272 4371 |
To fund sustainable resource management activities with a clear national focus or application, including projects that result in the improved targeting of national programs and projects addressing issues requiring more attention to meet national priorities |
Grants State agencies, non-government organisations, Local Government and some Commonwealth authorities |
| Program |
Lead agency |
Aims |
Comments |
| Sites of National Tourism Significance Program |
Tourism Environment Management Section (06) 279 7146 |
To encourage and facilitate the ecologically sustainable management and use of natural sites of national tourism significance |
Grant Eligible: State/Territory and Local Government authorities |
| National Ecotourism Program |
Tourism Nature Based and Indigenous Tourism Section (06) 279 7126 |
To increase Australia's competitiveness as an ecotourism destination, enhance visitor appreciation of natural and cultural values, and contribute to the long-term conservation and management of ecotourism resources |
Grant. Organisations eligible for funding include Commonwealth, State/Territory and Local Government, national resource management, education and training, research, cultural and conservation bodies, community organisations, professional associations, indigenous communities and regional development organisations |
| Forest Ecotourism Program |
Tourism Environment Management Section (06) 279 7146 |
To encourage and facilitate ecotourism in Grant forests throughout Australia |
Eligible: State/Territory land management agencies, regional tourism associations, Local Government authorities, community groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, conservation organisations, and academic institutions |
| Regional Tourism Development Program |
Tourism Development Section (06) 279 7192 |
To encourage sustainable tourism and Regional economic growth in regional areas through the development of regional tourism strategic plans, infrastructure and information co-ordination within a region |
Grant Eligible: Local Government authorities, regional tourism associations and regional ecotourism development organisations |
| AFMA |
Australian Fisheries Management Agency |
DPIE |
Department of Primary Industries and Energy |
| AGSO |
Australian Geological Survey Organisation |
EPA |
Environment Protection Agency (Commonwealth) |
| AHC |
Australian Heritage Commission |
ERIN |
Environmental Resources Information Network |
| AIMS |
Australian Institute of Marine Science |
FRDC |
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation |
| AMSA |
Australian Maritime Safety Authority |
GBRMPA |
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority |
| ANCA |
Australian Nature Conservation Agency |
HRD |
Housing and Regional Development |
| ANZECC |
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council |
ICC |
Island Coordinating Committee (Torres Strait) |
| ATSIC |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission |
ESD |
Ecologically Sustainable Development |
| AWRC |
Australian Water Resources Council |
IMO |
International Maritime Organisation |
| CAMRIS |
Coastal and Marine Resources Information System |
NGAC |
National Greenhouse Advisory Committee |
| COAG |
Council of Australian Governments |
NHMRC |
National Health and Medical Research Council |
| CSIRO |
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation |
NOHSC |
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission |
| DCA |
Department of Communication and the Arts |
NRIC |
National Resource Information Centre |
| DEST |
Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories |
OCS |
Office of the Chief Scientist |
| DFAT |
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
QDEH |
Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage |
| DHRD |
Department of Housing and Regional Development |
RACI |
Royal Australian Chemical Institute |
| DIST |
Department of Industry, Science and Technology |
SCEP |
(ANZECC) Standing Committee on Environmental Protection |
]
