Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities - Web Resources
Key web pages and entry points for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Atmosphere
Site describes initiatives to improve the quality of air and to ensure the recovery of the ozone layer. Includes links for info on air quality, fuel alternatives and greenhouse gases
http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/
Australia's world heritage list
Index page for Australian properties on the World Heritage List. This site has a map of the properties and provides links to further information.
http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/world/index.html
Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS)
The Australian Biological Resources Study aims to provide the underlying taxonomic knowledge necessary for the conservation and sustainable use of Australia's biodiversity. ABRS supports research on Australian organisms through a Grants and Scholarship scheme and publishes series of books on our Flora and Fauna.
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/
Australian Heritage Database
The Australian Heritage Database contains information about more than 20,000 natural, historic and Indigenous places. The database includes: places in the World Heritage List; places in the National Heritage List; places in the Commonwealth Heritage list; places in the Register of the National Estate; places in the List of Overseas Places of Historic Significance to Australia and places under consideration, or that may have been considered for, any one of these lists.
http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/ahdb/
Australian Heritage Week
13-21 April 2013
Australian Heritage Week is a an annual national celebration of Australia’s unique heritage. It is about the places and stories that make Australia special. It includes our amazing natural places, our rich Indigenous heritage and the diverse historic sites that together reflect our development as a nation
http://heritage-week.govspace.gov.au/
Calendar of environmental events
Calendar of special environment related events for the current year.
http://www.environment.gov.au/events/index.html
Chemicals management
Provides information on the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts involvement in chemicals risk assessment and policy to ensure that chemicals are managed safely to protect human health and the environment.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/chemicals/
Coasts and marine
Obtain information about the coastal and marine legislation, policies and programs which are developed and implemented by the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/
Commonwealth botanic gardens
Find out about Australia's Commonwealth Botanic Gardens. This page provides links to information on the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra; Booderee Botanic Gardens, Booderee National Park; and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden, Norfolk Island.
http://environment.gov.au/parks/bot/botanic-gardens.html
Commonwealth national parks
Find out about Australia's Commonwealth National Parks. This page provides links to information on Kakadu National Park, Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, Booderee National Park, Norfolk Island National Park, Christmas Island National Park and Pulu Keeling National Park.
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/national-parks.html
Environment - publications
Search for and download publications produced by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
http://www.environment.gov.au/about/publications/index.html
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC)
Links to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) which protects the environment, Australian biodiversity and matters of National Environmental Significance.
http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/
ESD design guide for office and public buildings
This guide gives a basic introduction to ecological sustainability issues and specifically how the built environment affects them. It begins by outlining the Australian position on Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) and some key policies relevant to buildings and ESD.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/government/publications/esd-design/index.html
Exotic bird record keeping scheme
The Australian Government has introduced a record keeping scheme to help bird keepers keep adequate records, minimising the risk of acquiring illegally traded birds, and reducing disease and pest risks in Australia from illegally imported birds.
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/trade-use/exoticbirds/record.html
For teachers and students - whales, dolphins and porpoises
Information for teachers and students about whales, dolphins and porpoises including discovery game and minke whale video.
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/species/cetaceans/education/index.html
Fuel consumption guide database 1986-2003
The Fuel Consumption Guide Database provides comparative data on the fuel consumption of vehicles manufactured in Australia between 1986 and 2003.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/transport/fuelguide/search.html
Government sustainability
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities pages designed to improve environmental performance of Australian Government departments and agencies. Information resources include advice, communication networks and access to best practice environmental management techniques from around the world.
http://www.environment.gov.au/sustainability/government/
Grants and funding - environment, water and heritage programs
This page provides an index of the grants available through the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
http://www.environment.gov.au/about/programs/index.html
Green kids guide to threatened species - 9 ways you can help
No one will ever again see a Paradise Parrot flash its rainbow colours across the sky or see the Tasmanian tiger slink through the wet Tasmanian forest. They are gone forever - they are now extinct. One of the most important ways to help threatened plants and animals survive is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks, nature reserves or wilderness areas.
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/kids.html
Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste home page from the The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/chemicals/hazardous-waste/
Hazardous Waste Act permits - Applying for a permit
If you want to export or import hazardous waste, or move it in or out of Australia (transit) you must apply for a permit to do so.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/chemicals/hazardous-waste/permits.html
Historic shipwreck database search
The Australian National Shipwrecks Database (ANSDB) includes all known shipwrecks in Australian waters. The information in the ANSDB has been collected by each of the State and Territory historic shipwreck agencies or supplied by collecting institutions holding historic shipwreck objects.
https://apps5a.ris.environment.gov.au/shipwreck/public/wreck/search.do
Indigenous Australians caring for country
The Department of the Environment Water Resources has a long history of working with Indigenous people, across the range of Departmental core business, particularly in natural resource management and heritage related activities.
http://www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/
Information for decision making
The Environmental Resources Information Network, ERIN, manages and analyses environmental information for Environment Australia. This page provides links to information services provided or hosted by ERIN.
http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/about.html#information
Invasive species
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts' Invasive species home page - includes information on major invasive species in Australia and plans for their control.
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/
Kakadu national park
Kakadu National Park is managed jointly by its Aboriginal traditional owners and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/kakadu/
Land
The land management topic page provides information about the Australian Government's activities to maintain landscapes, biodiversity and ecosystem services while ensuring sustainable production systems and providing for other human needs. Includes information about forest policy, native vegetation, pressures on the land and sustainable land management.
http://www.environment.gov.au/land/
Migratory species in Australia
Many animals migrate to Australia and its external territories, or pass though or over Australian waters during their annual migrations. Information covered includes migratory waterbirds, albatrosses and petrels, mammals, cetaceans, seals and sea lions, bats, fish, sharks, reptiles and marine turtles.
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/migratory/
MyEnvironment
iPhone, iPad and iPod touch - Search for information about heritage sites, wetlands, national parks and protected plants and animals in any Australian location.
http://www.environment.gov.au/about/media/connect/myenvironment/index.html
National chemical reference guide - standards in the Australian environment
Designed to help you find relevant information about chemicals as quickly and easily as possible. Information has been arranged into topics to help focus your search; alternatively you can use the search facilities on the left.
http://www.environment.gov.au/chemicals-guide/
National Heritage List
Australia's national heritage comprises exceptional natural and cultural places which help give Australia its national identity. This site has a map of places and provides links to further information.
http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/index.html
National Pollutant Inventory - for students
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) provides free information about substance emissions in Australia. Check out the substance fact sheets and explore the pollution map to learn about emissions around your home and how to reduce them. Test your knowledge by playing the true/false pollution quiz.
http://www.npi.gov.au/students/index.html
National reserve system
The National Reserve System is Australia's network of protected areas, conserving examples of our natural landscapes and native plants and animals for future generations. The reserve system includes more than 9,000 protected areas covering more than 11 per cent of the country. It is made up Commonwealth, state and territory reserves, Indigenous lands and protected areas run by non-profit conservation organisations, through to ecosystems protected by farmers on their private working properties.
http://environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/index.html
National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme
This recycling Scheme involves a combination of government regulation and industry action to take responsibility for the collection and recycling of waste televisions, computers, printers and computer products.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/waste/ewaste/
National Waste Policy
The National Waste Policy sets Australia's waste management and resource recovery direction to 2020.
http://www.environment.gov.au/wastepolicy/index.html
Our House - Histories of Australian homes
Our house is a series of 'house biographies', describing individual homes typical of those built at different times and in different places and of varied types, styles and ownership. Our house brings to life the architectural and social histories of the small Australian house. Each story sets out the historical context, outlines the history of the building and the social history of the house.
http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/ahc/publications/commission/books/ourhouse/nsw.html
Permits required for Commonwealth parks and reserves
If you wish to conduct research or any commercial activity in a Commonwealth park or reserve, or carry out certain recreational or other activities, you will require a permit to do so. This page provides full details and downloads for permits relating to Commonwealth parks and reserves.
http://environment.gov.au/parks/permits/index.html
Protected area management agencies in Australia and New Zealand
Protected area management agencies in Australian states and territories and in New Zealand.
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/hoa.html
Sea dumping permit application
Australia regulates the loading and dumping of waste at sea under the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 (the Sea Dumping Act). The Sea Dumping Act also fulfils Australia's international obligations under the London Protocol to prevent marine pollution by controlling dumping of wastes and other matter. Permits are required for all sea dumping operations including dumping off vessels, platforms or other man-made structures and for burials at sea.
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/pollution/dumping/forms.html
Species profile and threats database
The species profile and threats database is designed to provide information about species and ecological communities listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl
State of the environment (SoE) reporting
National SoE reports provide information about environmental and heritage conditions, trends and pressures for the Australian continent, surrounding seas and Australia's external territories.
http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/
State of the Environment 2011 (SoE) report
Discover the state of the Australian environment – the SoE 2011 is a valuable resource for teachers, students, librarians, policy makers, environmental managers, consultants and the general public. The SoE is supported by a mix of summaries and detailed information as well as discussions of the drivers of environmental change, resilience, risks and what the future might look like.
http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2011/index.html
Sustainability education
Sustainability education develops skills, knowledge and values that promote behaviour in support of a sustainable environment. It is not confined to formal schooling. It also occurs in a wide range of non-formal education settings at work and at home.
http://www.environment.gov.au/education/
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities annual report
Index page to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities annual report. Reports are available in PDF format.
http://www.environment.gov.au/about/publications/annual-report/
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities portfolio budget statements 2013-14
Links to the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Portfolio Budget Statements 2013-14 and supporting links.
http://www.environment.gov.au/about/publications/budget/index.html
Sustainable transport
Information about sustainable transport including Fuel Consumption Label, Fuel Consumption Guide, Alternative Fuels, Travel Demand Management and TravelSmart Australia.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/transport/index.html
The Australian flag
A brief introduction to the history of the Australian flag. Includes information on other Australian ensigns and other 'Australian' flags. Also includes links to information on state and territory flags.
http://www.anbg.gov.au/oz/flag.html
Threatened species and ecological communities
Changes to the landscape and native habitat as a result of human activity have put many of Australia's unique species at risk. Over the last two hundred years many species of plants and animals have become extinct. For the other species of plants and animals whose survival is threatened, a range of management and conservation measures are in place.
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/
Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park
The Aboriginal traditional owners of Uluru -Kata Tjuta National Park have looked after, and in turn been looked after by, the land for over one thousand generations. Aboriginal use of the land over that time is reflected throughout the Uluru -Kata Tjuta landscape, which is recognised as a World Heritage area of outstanding universal value.
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/
Water efficiency guide: office and public buildings
The Water Efficiency Guide: Office and Public Buildings gives practical 'how to' help for building owners, managers and users to reduce water use by up to 30% to 40%. They provide an introduction to the technical and behavioural opportunities that exist in office and public buildings for reducing water consumption and increasing water reuse. The second part of the publication is the National water intensity benchmarks for office buildings and public buildings.
http://www.environment.gov.au/sustainability/government/publications/water-efficiency-guide.html
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme
Search the water efficiency of new household products, including washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, urinals, taps and showers before you buy.
http://www.environment.gov.au/wels_public/searchPublic.do
Whales, dolphins and porpoises
Australian waters are home to a large number of unique and magnificent marine mammals, including 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. The Australian Government has made whale and dolphin conservation a priority and is a world leader in the protection and conservation of these incredible animals both in Australia and internationally. Includes links to resources for teachers and students.
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/species/cetaceans/index.html
Wildlife trade and conservation
Australia 's unique plants and animals are known throughout the world and are an important part of our natural heritage. The Australian Government recognises the inherent value of our native species and the need to ensure their continued survival.
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/trade-use/
