Sustaining our environment

The Government is committed to lowering Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining Australia’s strong and internationally competitive economy.

Funding of $248 million over the period 2004‑05 to 2007‑08 will implement the Government’s Climate Change Strategy. This builds on existing programmes to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.

A comprehensive global response to climate change is vital. The strategy includes $20 million for Australia to actively participate in international forums, $30 million to improve emissions measurement and analysis, and $26 million to ensure a strategic national response to climate change.

The strategy will provide $27 million to foster the development of innovative low emissions technologies, and encourage industry and the community to reduce emissions.

Preparing for, and managing the unavoidable consequences of climate change is also a key part of the strategy. Some $31 million will enable additional scientific research aimed at better understanding and predicting how future changes in Australia’s climate will impact on our environment, communities and industry.

Murray-Darling Basin

A healthy Murray-Darling Basin is vital to the industries, communities and ecosystems relying on water from the system. The Government will provide almost $70 million over three years to the Murray-Darling Basin Commission to fund capital works and education activities, and oversee important salinity mitigation work. This is in addition to the $200 million announced by the Government in relation to the National Water Initiative, which will help address water over-allocation in the Murray-Darling Basin.