Welcome to ALGA's environment policy and research area. It provides information on national policies and programs, resources and case studies that are relevant to local government across Australia.
What's new
- Caring for our country
- The Australian Government has announced a funding of $2.25 billion over fie years from 2009/2010 for natural resource management, under the new Caring for our Country program. More information.
ALGA's environment work can be split up into a number of areas:
- Coasts
- A booming property market, a healthy tourism industry and Australians desire to live by the sea have resulted in a large influx of residents, both permanent and part-time to coastal shires.
- Greenhouse and climate change
- Many councils are leading the way with greenhouse gas reduction programs. This is not surprising since councils will be heavily impacted by any changes in climate brought about by greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives are discussed and the environmental rating schemes in place are outlined.
- Natural resource management
- As community awareness grows, councils are undertaking more and more biodiversity and native vegetation activities. There are numerous options for councils to set up Natural resource management (NRM) programs. The options are explored and ideas and resources for councils thinking of setting up their own programs are provided.
- Sustainability
- Local government participate in the Local Agenda 21 Program and the World Summit on Sustainable Development. The concept of 'sustainability' provides an integrated approach to meeting our social, economic and environmental goals in a way that is equitable within and between generations. For local government it is about planning and providing for the needs of individuals and communities, protecting ecosystems and their services and creating prosperity.
- Waste and recycling
- The National Packaging Covenant aims to make manufacturers more responsible for the packaging they produce. It applies to consumer packaging and household paper. The Covenant has recently been reviewed. An extension to the Covenant was agreed to and targets have been set. (13 September 2005)
- Water
- National initiatives such as the National Water Initiative, policies surrounding the Great Artesian Basin, work undertaken by the Murray Darling Basin Commission all influence council activities. These projects are oulined. The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives(ICLEI) Water Campaign is highlighted, showing councils how they can reduce their own water use, water use in the community and the catchment.
