Australian Government searches globally for head of new Environment Information office

June 5, 2023

Environment / Government /

The Federal Government is conducting a global search to lead Australia’s first independent, national environmental data and information office - the Environment Information Australia (EIA) – with the aim of managing “nature better for the future”.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek advised “I’m on the hunt for the world’s best biodiversity brain. We’re talking about an exciting chance to combine data and drones to protect dugongs.”

The Budget allocated $51.5 million over four years to set up Environment Information Australia.

EIA will provide environmental information to the independent Environment Protection Australia, the Government, and to the public.

The EIA is anticipated to deliver faster and more transparent decision making - reducing the need to source data for environmental assessments could save project proponents up to $1 million a year.

Minister Plibersek considers the formation of the EIA to be “good for the environment. It is easier to protect nature when we know where threatened species and habitat are.

“The data will be quality, reliable, transparent and searchable. Australians will be able to track improvements or decline in our natural environment.

“The data will underpin the integrity of the nature repair market and make it easier for landholders to participate.”

Environment Information Australia will add another level of transparency to the Government’s Nature Positive agenda – tracking and reporting progress on environmental goals and objectives, including the five yearly State of the Environment Report.

Minister Plibersek added “If you want to picture it, think an Australian Bureau of Statistics for nature. An agency that will survey, monitor and publicise local information on threatened species, vulnerable ecosystems, and the state of our environment.

“Currently businesses and project proponents are losing time and money sourcing the same information over and over again. It’s time consuming and wasteful.

“We want to manage nature better for the future, and we need to give people early warning of areas where development should be avoided. That means making sure we are keeping and using the best information possible. It will help us better protect our precious plants, animals and places, and make faster, clearer decisions.

“It’s better for the environment and better for business.”

Image. Dugong Credit: Great Barrier Reef Foundation

15th May 2023 - Woodside ‘Tossers’ show contempt for Australian environment and tourism industry

10th May 2023 - 2023 Federal Budget allocates significant funding for environmental repair projects

10th May 2023 - Australia’s marine environment still needs more funding after decade of neglect

3rd May 2023 - Volunteering Innovation Fund to drive innovative environmental projects in Victoria

30th April 2023 - City of Gold Coast launches strategy to protect natural environment

25th March 2023 - Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority releases new noise guide for music venues and events

21st March 2023 - New documentary spotlights overtourism’s detrimental impact on environment and wildlife

17th March 2023 - Tasmania’s natural environment continues to be a major tourism drawcard

6th February 2023 - Queensland National Trust appoints new Head of Heritage and Environmental Services

20th December 2022 - Wollondilly Shire Council partners with Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife to protect local environment

9th December 2022 - Sustainable Population Australia notes policies to end population growth are integral to environmental law reform

26th October 2022 - Federal Budget to provide more funds for climate and environmental initiatives

19th September 2022 - Sport fans want their teams to lead on environment, sustainability and inclusion issues

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.