Australia's unique and diverse environment supports so much of what makes us great.
Our identity springs from our environment—from the Indigenous heritage of Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu to the Great Barrier Reef, from the majestic forests of South-East Australia and the internationally recognised biodiversity hot spot of Southwest Australia to Antarctica and our unique Australian flora and fauna.
We define ourselves and are identified by our environment.
A healthy environment is important for a healthy economy. Our way of life depends on clean air, clean land and clean water. Our sense of self is enhanced by our natural and cultural heritage, as is our attraction as a destination for tourism.
Our Plan for a Cleaner Environment has helped to deliver real solutions for Australia.
This brochure outlines how the four pillars of our environment plan—Clean Air, Clean Land, Clean Water and Heritage Protection, as well as our renewed support for innovation and a 20 year strategy for Antarctica—have contributed to the Government’s vision of a great society by protecting and improving our environment for future generations. Since this plan was launched in September 2013, the Government has worked with individuals, communities and businesses on delivering cleaner air, land, water and heritage management without unnecessary bureaucracy. We have invested in science to find solutions to our challenges and supported local communities to put that knowledge to work on the ground.
Together, we are tackling climate change through successful policies including the Emissions Reduction Fund and Safeguard Mechanism, Renewable Energy Target, National Energy Productivity Plan, vehicle emission measures, a phase down in hydroflurocarbon emissions and new support for innovation.