Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Vision
A sustainable Australia
Mission
Deliver the Australian Government’s environment and heritage
legislation, policies and programmes
i
Senator the Hon Ian Campbell
Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Minister
I present the annual reports of the Department of the Environment and Heritage for
the financial year ended 30 June 2005. This set of reports comprises two volumes:
• First, the annual report of the department prepared in accordance with
subsection 63(2) of the Public Service Act 1999. Subsection 63(1) of that Act
requires me to give you the report for presentation to the parliament. A copy
of this annual report must be laid before each House of the parliament on or
before 31 October 2005.
• Secondly, seven annual reports about Acts the department administers. This
volume must be tabled in each House of the parliament within 15 sitting days
after the day on which you receive it.
Yours sincerely
David Borthwick
Secretary
20 October 2005
iii
iv Department of the Environment and Heritage Annual Report 2004–05
Executive summary
Executive summary
Secretary’s review
This is the first full financial year that I have led the
Department of the Environment and Heritage. For me
the clear ‘take home message’ of the past year is the
need for a sustained effort to follow through on the
government’s major environmental reforms.
Environmental degradation is often an insidious process;
the cumulative result of multiple causes, each appearing
insignificant in the initial stages and when viewed in
isolation. The damage can escalate until it reaches
the point where it affects entire ecosystems, and an
enormous effort is required to prevent further harm.
David Borthwick
There are no quick solutions to continental-scale
problems like the over-allocation of water resources and
the loss of native vegetation, or global problems like greenhouse gas emissions.
It will take years of consistent hard work on many fronts before improvements
become noticeable.
Strong foundations
The government has established strong foundations for this work. Major
environmental programmes like the Natural Heritage Trust, the implementation
of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and
regional marine planning are driving important reforms to the way Australians
manage natural resources. For the first time the continuing health of ecosystems is
fundamental to resource management, and not just a secondary consideration. In
addition the high level of protection afforded by the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 now applies to places of outstanding national
heritage significance. The total government investment in the environment and
heritage continues to increase.
Progress report
The department can report progress in carrying out this work (see the summary
on pages 6–7). Support for ‘on-ground’ activities continues to expand, including
$200 million for water-saving projects initiated by the community. More native
habitat is being protected, notably an additional 171 300 hectares of forest reserves
in Tasmania. New programmes to address climate change have been established
and Australia is still on track to meet its internationally agreed greenhouse gas
emissions target.
The tsunami
In looking back over the year a single event overshadowed all others: the Boxing
Day tsunami in the Indian Ocean. Like other Australians I was appalled by the
scale of the human tragedy. The tsunami was also the single most significant
event affecting the environment in Australia’s region so it was important that the
environment and heritage portfolio contributed to the Australian Government’s
response. The portfolio’s contribution included assistance from the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park Authority, involving assessing the impacts on coral reefs. The
Bureau of Meteorology is helping to establish an early warning system for future
tsunamis in the Indian Ocean.
3
Executive summary
Following through
The department’s vision is ‘a sustainable Australia’. Achieving this vision means
planning for the longer term to maintain the health of our natural resources
while our economy continues to develop. Getting the right balance between
environmental, social and economic priorities is an ongoing challenge. In order to
David Borthwick
5
Executive summary
Air pollution
• A new Air Toxics National Environment Protection Measure will help develop air quality page 34
standards for the main toxic air pollutants
• New fuel standards meant cleaner petrol was available in Australia from 1 January 2005, page 37
giving lower levels of sulfur, olefins and aromatics in vehicle exhaust
• The Cycle Connect grants programme started, supporting cycling as a way of reducing air page 36
pollution in cities
Heritage
• The site of the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Victoria was inscribed page 92
on the World Heritage List
• The new national and Commonwealth heritage lists were extended, meaning that more page 92
nationally important heritage places are now protected
Land
• The Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement was signed, guaranteeing protection for page 143
171 300 hectares of forests
• New streamlined outputs and targeted performance indicators were developed for 2005–06 page 208
to improve reporting on environmental outcomes
• An internal review of the department’s corporate governance framework found that the page 209
current systems are operating effectively
7
Executive summary
Organisation
As at 30 June 2005 the department was made up of 12 divisions (opposite).
1
Both agencies ceased as separate executive agencies under the Public Service Act 1999 on 26 October 2004, and as
prescribed agencies under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 on 3 November 2004.
9
Executive summary
/UTCOME !USTRALIAN
DEPARTMENTAL #APITAL 4ERRITORY
/UTCOME .ORTHERN
ADMINISTERED /THER LOCATIONS
/UTCOME 4ERRITORY
SEE PAGE
DEPARTMENTAL
!NTARCTICA
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See page 234 for a detailed breakdown. See page 219 for a detailed breakdown.
To prevent double counting, a $23 million A map showing office locations appears
payment from the Natural Heritage Trust (part of on page 456.
‘Outcome 1 administered’) has been excluded
from ‘Outcome 1 departmental’.
11
Executive summary
Climate change
The Department of the Environment and Heritage, through its Australian Greenhouse
Office, contributes to the global effort to respond to climate change and implements
the Australian Government’s climate change strategy. The department works closely
with other departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and
the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources, to progress this strategy.
Objectives
• To lead the development and implementation of the government’s major
climate change programmes, working in partnership with other departments
• To work with industry, business and the community across Australia in taking
action to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions
• To enhance Australia’s regional development and natural resource management
by promoting greenhouse action on the land
• To act to increase the uptake of energy efficiency
• To pursue a multi-pronged effort to build a practical and effective global
response to climate change, including action at the multilateral, regional and
bilateral levels
Environment—Outcome 1
• To extend Australia’s world-class scientific expertise in climate change, and
build the capacity of regions, industries and community to adapt to climate
change
• To deliver robust projections of Australia’s progress in meeting its
internationally agreed 108 per cent greenhouse gas emissions target
Main results
• Progress was made in developing and implementing new programmes
under the Australian Government’s $1.8 billion Climate Change Strategy
• The Ministerial Council on Energy agreed to stage one of the National
Framework for Energy Efficiency, delivering up to 9 million tonnes of
greenhouse gas savings and $400 million to gross domestic product
when fully implemented
• The Tracking to the Kyoto 2004 emissions projections and the 2003
National Greenhouse Gas Inventory showed Australia is on track to meet
its Kyoto target
• Progress was made under bilateral climate change partnerships, and
formative discussions were held with key regional countries on a new
Asia–Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate
15
Climate change
Environment—Outcome 1
In 2004 the Australian Government announced a new Climate Change Strategy to:
• enhance international engagement to work towards an effective global
response to climate change
• focus domestic action to meet Australia’s internationally agreed greenhouse
emissions target in the short term, and in the longer term deliver a lower
emissions signature while maintaining a strong economy
• prepare Australia for the unavoidable consequences of climate change.
The strategy was articulated through measures announced in the May 2004 federal
Budget and the June 2004 energy white paper, Securing Australia’s Energy Future.
These measures increased the Australian Government’s commitment to climate
change activities that directly involve the Australian Greenhouse Office to around
$1.8 billion until 2012–13. This included $802.1 million for ongoing programmes,
$275.2 million for new Budget measures and $732.6 million for energy white paper
measures (provided through the Budget additional estimates).
Implementing the full range of measures that make up the climate change strategy
was a key focus of the work of the Australian Greenhouse Office during 2004–05.
Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change designed to limit global greenhouse gas emissions.
It includes emissions target commitments for developed countries. The Kyoto
Protocol came into force on 16 February 2005 following Russian ratification.
In the 1997 Kyoto negotiations Australia agreed to limit its greenhouse gas
emissions to 108 per cent of the level of 1990 emissions by 2008–2012. The
Australian Government is committed to meeting this target. The most recent
projections (see page 26) show that Australia is on track to do so.
Environment—Outcome 1
While strongly investing in domestic greenhouse action, the Australian
Government has decided not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. The government believes
the protocol is not a sufficient global response to climate change because it does
not provide a pathway for all major emitting countries to commit to reducing
their greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of the world’s top 12 greenhouse
gas emitters, including the world’s largest emitter the United States, and large
developing countries such as China and India, have not accepted or are not
covered by the protocol’s binding emissions caps.
During 2004–05 Australia continued to work for the development of an
international climate change response that is environmentally effective,
economically efficient and includes all major emitters. The need for a response
‘beyond Kyoto’ is being increasingly recognised worldwide.
17
Climate change
Environment—Outcome 1
The climate change forum brought together senior Australian and New Zealand
industry and government leaders to discuss possible approaches to respond to
climate change internationally. The forum was facilitated by the Pew Center on
Global Climate Change, a leading US-based think-tank that is conducting a high-
level international dialogue on future global action on climate change.
The minister and the department also participated in formative discussions with
the United States and other countries in the Asia–Pacific Partnership on Clean
Development and Climate.
Multilateral projects
In November 2004 Australia joined with 13 other nations as a founding member
of the Methane to Markets Partnership. The partnership focuses on cost-effective,
short-term methane recovery and its use as a clean energy source. This will
enhance economic growth, improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from coal mines, landfills, and the oil and gas sector. The partnership
promotes collaboration between developed and developing country partners, with
strong participation from the private sector.
Australia also participates in three other technology focused partnerships—the
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership, the International Partnership
on the Hydrogen Economy and the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum. In
June 2005 funding of $381 000 was provided to the Australian Business Council for
Sustainable Energy to establish and operate an Oceania Secretariat of Renewable
Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership for three years. A further $90 000
contribution was provided for the renewable energy partnership’s Renewable
Energy International Law Project.
Bilateral relationships
Australia continued to work with its five bilateral climate change partners—the
United States, China, New Zealand, Japan and the European Union—on practical
actions to contribute to the global climate change response. More than 40 projects
are now under way through these partnerships.
United States: The Australia–United States Climate Action Partnership continued
to deliver concrete outcomes across a broad range of areas, including work with
Australia’s Pacific neighbours on climate change science, research and monitoring;
and constructive work on geosequestration and hydrogen through the Carbon
Sequestration Leadership Forum and International Partnership on the Hydrogen
Economy. There was also significant progress on renewable energy with the US
Department of Energy and the Australian Greenhouse Office establishing a future
programme of work on renewables under the partnership.
Environment—Outcome 1
China: The Australia–China Climate Change Partnership was strengthened with
the signing on 16 August 2004 of a Memorandum of Understanding on Climate
Change Activities, followed by a workshop in Beijing from 13–15 September 2004.
This workshop enabled Australian and Chinese industry representatives to identify
opportunities for collaboration on climate change projects.
New Zealand: From 4–5 November 2004 the Australian and New Zealand
Governments co-sponsored Climate Change and Business: The Australia–New
Zealand Conference and Trade Expo, which was attended by more than
200 representatives. The event enabled an exchange of ideas and information on
activities and opportunities to respond to climate change.
Japan: Australia and Japan co-hosted the Asia–Pacific Seminar on Climate Change
held in Sydney, Australia from 21–24 September 2004. Experts from 19 countries
and representatives from eight United Nations agencies and other international
agencies participated. The seminar included updates on efforts to address climate
change in the Asia–Pacific region, capacity building, adaptation, science and
technology, and lessons learnt for future action.
European Union: Work continued with the European Union to develop an
agreed plan of action on energy efficiency including reducing standby power
consumption of consumer electronics, benchmarking of minimum energy
performance standards for residential air conditioners, examining standby power
losses in non-residential buildings, and developing efficiency standards and labels
for residential appliances.
19
Climate change
Environment—Outcome 1
Current measures undertaken across all levels of government are helping to reduce
Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 94 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by
2010. This has Australia on track to meet its Kyoto Protocol emissions target (see
projections, page 26).
During the year the Australian Greenhouse Office began implementing new
programmes announced in 2004 as part of the Australian Government’s $1.8 billion
Climate Change Strategy. This strategy will help Australia to meet its Kyoto target in
the short term, while positioning us for future greenhouse gas reduction action in
the long term.
Environment—Outcome 1
and Abatement programme, including preparations for a monitoring regime for
a geosequestration pilot project, and undertaking consultancies to develop other
programme themes (including fossil fuels, and local and regional action—
see also page 23).
21
Climate change
Environment—Outcome 1
Environment—Outcome 1
The Renewable Energy Equity Fund continued to provide venture capital
to small, innovative renewable energy companies to help commercialise their
technologies. During 2004–05 an additional $2.2 million was invested in five
companies, leveraging an additional $1.1 million in private sector investment.
The Photovoltaic Rebate Programme provides cash rebates for consumers
who install grid-connected or stand-alone photovoltaic systems. In 2004–05 the
programme provided 808 rebates, representing more than $3.2 million invested.
This brought the total number of photovoltaic systems installed over the life of the
programme to 6 176. As part of the May 2005 Budget the government announced
that it would extend the programme for two years, providing $5.7 million in each
of 2005–06 and 2006–07.
The Mandatory Renewable Energy Target scheme sets up a national
renewable energy market based on a system of tradeable certificates. The Office
of the Renewable Energy Regulator administers the scheme, although policy
responsibility remains with the Australian Greenhouse Office.
Following the 2003 review of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target, the
government confirmed its commitment to the current renewable energy target of
9 500 gigawatt hours by 2010 in the energy white paper Securing Australia’s
Energy Future. The government also agreed to a number of legislative and
regulatory amendments to improve the administrative efficiency and operational
effectiveness of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
23
Climate change
Environment—Outcome 1
Environment—Outcome 1
Other key areas of work during 2004–05 included:
• a four-year, $2 million partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authority to develop a climate change action plan for the reef
• establishment of the South-east Australian Climate Project to examine climate
change, and particularly its impact on water resources, in the Murray–Darling
Basin and south-east Australia. The project was set up under an agreement with
the Murray–Darling Basin Commission, Land and Water Australia, the Victorian
Department of Sustainability and the Environment, CSIRO and the Bureau of
Meteorology
• an investigation of the possible implications of climate change impacts for
building practices, undertaken in cooperation with the Australian Building
Codes Board.
25
Climate change
Environment—Outcome 1
OF EMISSION LEVELS
EMISSIONS
Environment—Outcome 1
National Carbon Accounting System
Australia’s capability to account for greenhouse gas emissions from our land
systems is provided through the world-leading National Carbon Accounting
System, which uses computer-based land systems modelling and observations to
provide a national map of emissions at a sub-hectare scale.
Over the last year many of the
fundamental datasets, such as climate
and remotely sensed vegetation cover
change, were updated to current time.
Research and development activities,
largely jointly conducted with various
state and territory agencies, CSIRO,
universities and private sector interests,
also helped to improve the system and
David Borthwick (secretary) with Dr Gary expand its capability. In recognition of his
Richards and Howard Bamsey (deputy contribution to the application of remote
secretary)
sensing to environmental management on
Photo: L Cotton
a continental scale, the principal scientist
Dr Gary Richards, principal scientist of the
National Carbon Accounting System, received
of the National Carbon Accounting System
a CSIRO Chairman’s Medal as part of the received a CSIRO Chairman’s Medal on
CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences 9 November 2004 (left).
Mapping and Monitoring Team. The award
recognised Dr Richards’ contribution to applying A National Carbon Accounting Toolbox
remote sensing to environmental management was released in March 2005 to enable
on a continental scale. Dr Richards was part
of a team that used satellite images to map landholders to examine the history of
vegetation change in Australia over a their properties through a time-series
30-year period. This work is being used to archive of remotely sensed images, and to
assess Australia’s carbon budget and also to
develop policies for land management issues
model the greenhouse gas implications of
such as land clearing and salinity. agricultural and forestry activities.
27
Climate change
Environment—Outcome 1
International
Effectiveness in key international, regional and Worked effectively through the United Nations
bilateral climate change processes on issues for Framework Convention on Climate Change
which the Australian Greenhouse Office has lead to achieve key outcomes, including reaching
responsibility agreement to develop a 5-year programme on
adapting to climate change
Played a key role in several international forums on
post-2012 action on climate change
Further developed both bilateral and plurilateral
climate change partnerships
The number of initiatives delivered through key More than 50, including implementing more than
international, regional and bilateral processes 30 practical bilateral climate change projects and
agreement to 12 additional projects; co-hosting
with Japan a major Asia-Pacific Seminar on Climate
Change in Australia; and gaining international
support for an Australian initiative on a land use,
land use change and forestry dialogue
Emissions management
Reporting systems are appropriately targeted and National Greenhouse Gas Inventory reviewed
high quality independently for United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change and found to
comply with requirements
Joint Ministerial Council on Energy–Environment
Protection and Heritage Council streamlining and
standardising emissions and energy reporting
mechanisms for business
Risks to programme delivery identified and Comprehensive risk management plans in place for
managed each programme
Effectiveness of support for greenhouse response Series of Australian Greenhouse Office programmes
within sectors providing high level of engagement with sectors
(for example, Greenhouse Challenge Plus includes
approximately 770 member companies, Cities
for Climate ProtectionTM Australia has over
200 participating local governments covering
approximately 78% of the population)
Measurable behaviour change within sectors Analysis of Recent Trends and Greenhouse Indicators
1990 to 2002 released in May 2004 with update due
by the end of 2005
Environment—Outcome 1
Performance indicator 2004–05 results
Reported abatement activity including emissions Reported in Tracking to the Kyoto Target 2004
reductions or energy savings released 6 December 2004
National measures delivering 94 million tonnes of
emissions abatement
Estimated cost (government funds) of greenhouse Based on the 2003 projections of abatement
abatement (dollars per tonne) from 2008–2012 and Australian Government
expenditure on programmes to end of June 2003,
the cost per tonne of abatement averaged $4.00
per tonne (including all measures) or $3.40 per
tonne looking only at those programmes where the
primary objective was to deliver abatement. This
estimate will be updated as new programmes are
implemented.
Investment dollars (or contributory funding) Several-fold increase in investment by private sector
leveraged from other parties by projects and through initiatives such as the Greenhouse Gas
programmes Abatement Programme, the Greenhouse Action in
Regional Australia programme and the Mandatory
Renewable Energy Target
Extent of support for long-term low emission COAL21 action plan reflects private sector and
technology uptake inter-jurisdictional support for low emissions
technologies
Public consultation on the Low Emissions
Technology Development Fund was well attended
and the 33 written submissions were all supportive
29
Climate change
Environment—Outcome 1
Foundation
Effectiveness in relevant and inter-jurisdictional See results under ‘Emissions management’ for
processes on issues for which the Australian ‘Effectiveness in relevant inter-jurisdictional
Greenhouse Office has the lead responsibility processes on issues for which the Australian
Greenhouse Office has lead responsibility’
Extent to which climate change policy is integrated Energy white paper integrated climate change into
in national policies and programmes across key national energy policy
sectors
Trends in community responses to key policy issues Market research to track community attitudes to
climate change will be undertaken in 2005–06
Delivery of a credible, high quality, annual projection Tracking to the Kyoto Target 2004 released on
of Australia’s greenhouse emissions trends 6 December 2004
Number of gaps in climate change policy and Energy white paper and Climate Change Strategy
emerging policy issues identified and managed identified a range of gaps in Australian Government
policy and addressed these gaps
Number of reports and submissions made in 9 submissions to the United Nations Framework
accordance with national and international Convention on Climate Change
commitments and level of user interest
Environment—Outcome 1
Resources
Element of pricing (1) Budget prices(2) Actual expenses
$’000 $’000
Departmental outputs
Administered items
31
Environment—Outcome 1
Air pollution
Objectives
• To improve urban air quality in order to protect human health and the
environment
• To reduce pollutant emissions from the in-service vehicle fleet
• To protect the stratospheric ozone layer by meeting Australia’s international
obligations and by encouraging Australian industry to minimise emissions of
ozone depleting substances
Main results
• A new Air Toxics National Environment Protection Measure will help
develop air quality standards for the main toxic air pollutants
• New fuel standards meant cleaner petrol was available in Australia from
1 January 2005, giving lower levels of sulfur, olefins and aromatics in
vehicle exhaust
• The Cycle Connect grants programme started, supporting cycling as a
way of reducing air pollution in cities
Environment—Outcome 1
Improving air quality
National air quality trends
Australians consistently rank air pollution as a major environmental concern.
The department works with other government agencies and industry to reduce
emissions of major pollutants, by tackling the major sources of air pollution,
including motor vehicles, woodheaters and industry.
As a result of these collaborative efforts, the levels of the major pollutants in
Australian cities are generally lower than those found in comparable overseas cities
(Australia State of the Environment 2001 report). Of the major pollutants, nitrogen
dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and lead are continuing to decline in
Australia’s major cities. However, particle and ozone levels show no obvious
downward trend and are still a major concern in some cities.
To improve access to national air quality data and enable a better assessment of air
quality in Australia, the department undertook considerable developmental work
on a national air quality database during 2004–05. This work built on the existing
database developed for the department’s State of the Air report on air quality
trends in Australia over the period 1991–2001 (www.deh.gov.au/atmosphere/
airquality/publications/status), which was released in April 2004. The new
database will be established in 2005–06 and will provide for the regular updating of
air quality data across Australia.
33
Air pollution
Environment—Outcome 1
Environment—Outcome 1
Managing woodsmoke pollution
Smoke from woodheaters is a major source of urban air pollution in some areas
in winter. The department administers programmes to reduce air pollution from
woodheaters and other sources of woodsmoke.
The Australian Government has already
completed work to target woodsmoke
pollution in Launceston, which has the
worst woodsmoke problem of any city in
Australia (left).
In the 2005–06 Budget the government
allocated an additional $1 million
over three years (2005–2008) for the
Launceston Clean Air Industry Programme.
During 2004–05 the department undertook
View of the Launceston airshed driving in the detailed scoping and design work
from the freeway. of the programme for the launch in July
Photo: Jim Markos (reproduced with permission)
2005. Building on the success of the
government’s previous programme, the
new programme will provide incentives
for industries in the Tamar Valley area to change their technologies or processes to
reduce particle emissions.
The National Woodheater Audit Programme, administered by the department
between 2003 and 2004, found that most of the woodheater models tested failed
to comply with the national standard for particle emissions from woodheaters. The
programme revealed shortcomings in manufacturing and certification procedures for
woodheaters.
As part of a combined government and industry response the department is
developing a certification procedure to significantly improve the compliance of
woodheaters available for retail sale with Australian standards. The department is
also in the process of making details of woodheater performance available to the
public through the Environment Protection and Heritage Council web site
(www.ephc.gov.au). This will allow consumers to consider the environmental
impacts of various models when purchasing a woodheater.
The department, along with state and territory agencies, is contributing towards
the costs of an expanded audit programme to test all woodheater models over two
years. The audit is being carried out, on behalf of participating governments, by
the Australian Home Heating Association, who are also contributing to the costs of
the programme. The programme started in September 2004. Woodheaters found to
be non-compliant in this audit will have their certification suspended, which will
make them illegal for retail sale in most states and territories.
35
Air pollution
Environment—Outcome 1
Cycle Connect
The $2.4 million Cycle Connect grants programme promotes cycling as a way of
reducing air pollution in cities. The programme pays for secure bicycle parking
facilities at city bus and train stations, addressing one of the barriers to cycling in
highly built up areas.
The programme’s first round of funding supported six projects with 2004–05
expenditure totalling $0.9 million. Grants were paid to install 1 200 lockers and
cage spaces in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide; 20 lockers in Bendigo;
and a secure cage to house over 100 bicycles at the Fremantle railway station.
The programme increased the capacity of bicycle locker storage by targeting areas
of high demand, and improved management of existing storage schemes.
In 2005–06 $1.2 million will be available for grants under the programme’s second
round.
1
Coffey’s Geosciences Pty Ltd, Review of Fuel Quality Requirements for Australian Transport (2000), Chapter 6.
2
Setting National Fuel Quality Standards, Paper 1, Summary Report of the Review of Fuel Quality Requirements for
Australian Transport (2000), pages 149–153.
Environment—Outcome 1
The emission standards are being implemented by the Department of Transport
and Regional Services, with progressive improvements set to continue until 2010.
The Department of the Environment and Heritage administers the Fuel Quality
Standards Act 2000. Standards currently apply to the quality of petrol, diesel,
biodiesel and autogas sold in Australia. The department is developing new quality
standards for diesohol and ethanol.
During the year the government tightened existing limits for a number of key
parameters regulated under the petrol and diesel standards, and introduced new
limits. From 1 January 2005:
• sulfur levels in all grades of petrol were limited to 150 milligrams per kilogram
• all grades of petrol are to have a maximum final boiling point of 210 degrees
Celsius
• the olefin content of petrol was limited to a flat maximum of 18 per cent in all
grades
• the aromatics content in all grades of petrol will drop to 42 per cent
(pool average) with a cap of 45 per cent.
Limits for a number of parameters under the biodiesel standard also came into
force on 18 September 2004 including limits relating to glycerol, metals, alcohol,
total contamination, cetane number, and oxidation stability. The biodiesel standard
will ensure that quality fuel is supplied to the marketplace, ensuring vehicle
operability and emissions outcomes.
The Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 was reviewed during the year. The review
concluded that the overall policy objectives of the Act are being met and should
not be altered, but recommended that a number of issues should be addressed to
facilitate nationally consistent standards, strengthen the monitoring, compliance
and enforcement programme, and simplify administration of the Act, in particular
the current approvals system for variations to standards.
A full report on the operation of the Act including details of the outcomes of the
review appears in the second volume of this set of annual reports.
37
Air pollution
Environment—Outcome 1
Environment—Outcome 1
To phase out the use of ozone depleting substances in Australia the department
implements the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management
Act 1989. The Act controls the supply (import, export and manufacture) and use
of ozone depleting substances and certain greenhouse gases through a licensing
system.
!USTRALIAS -ONTREAL 0ROTOCOL LIMIT
!USTRALIAS IMPORTS
SUBSTANCES
9EAR
39
Air pollution
Environment—Outcome 1
Environment—Outcome 1
Results for performance indicators
Performance indicator 2004–05 results
Programme administration
Cycle Connect
Degree to which projects, activities, agreements or High—increased bicycle storage capacity, targeted
plans contribute to the output areas of high demand and improved management
Degree to which projects, activities, agreements or High—provided information used to inform the
plans contribute to the output design of a national air quality database, the
Launceston Clean Air Industry Programme and a
new approach to woodheater emission standards
Both programmes
Accurate and timely approval, payment and Grants disbursed subject to achievement of funding
acquittal of grants in accordance with legislation agreement milestones
and guidelines
The Australian Government’s obligations under All obligations met. Halon stocks were managed to
the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas ensure availability of strategic reserves for 30 years,
Management Act 1989 are met, including effective with excess quantities collected from the community
administration of the Act, management of the for destruction. Phase-out and emission minimisation
Halon Bank, and programmes to phase out ozone programmes focused on implementation of
depleting substances and minimise emissions Regulations controlling the sale, purchase, use,
of ozone depleting substances and synthetic storage and destruction of ozone depleting
greenhouse gas substances in the fire protection and refrigeration
and air industries. See also: report on the operation
of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas
Management Act 1989 in the second volume of this
set of annual reports.
41
Air pollution
Environment—Outcome 1
Licence and enforcement actions are undertaken All enforcement actions, including remedial
within statutory timeframes, supplies of essential measures, were undertaken in accordance with the
use halon are provided within the requested compliance and enforcement plan. Re licensing: see
timeframe and number of facility inspections meets ‘statutory administration’ below. All halon requests
local ordinance requirements, and a phase-out and were met within the requested delivery timeframe.
emission minimisation programme is commenced Halon Bank facility inspections indicated the bank
was operating within its licence requirements and
meeting all local ordinance requirements.
Statutory administration
Extent to which statutory timeframes are met under High—all permit applications were processed within
legislation statutory timeframes
Number of permits or applications considered 138 licences granted (no refusals) under the
(granted and refused) under legislation Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas
Management Act 1989 (see also: report on the
operation of this Act in the second volume of this set
of annual reports)
15 licences granted (no refusals) under the Fuel
Quality Standards Act 2000 (see also: report on the
operation of this Act in the second volume of this set
of annual reports)
Extent to which stakeholders meet legislative High—all enforcement actions, including remedial
requirements measures, undertaken in accordance with the
compliance and enforcement plan
International
Extent to which Australia’s strategic objectives are High—All cables from delegations indicated that
achieved through international forums Australia’s objectives were achieved.
Stakeholder awareness
Information and education products distributed to Various air pollutant fact sheets published
stakeholders (measured by web site hits, information (see www.deh.gov.au/atmosphere/publications)
material distributed, etc)
Average of 16 347 user sessions per month to the
atmosphere-related part of the department’s web
site
Number of research reports, articles and papers 1 report on unflued gas appliances and air quality
prepared and publicly released in Australia
Environment—Outcome 1
Other annual reports—more detailed results
Annual report on the operation of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse
Gas Management Act 1989 included in the second volume of this set of annual
reports
Annual report on the operation of the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 included in
the second volume of this set of annual reports
Legislation
Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000
National Environment Protection Council Act 1994
National Environment Protection Measures (Implementation) Act 1998
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) Act 1995
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Manufacture Levy) Act 1995
Resources
Element of pricing Budget prices(1) Actual expenses
$’000 $’000
Departmental outputs
Administered items
43
Environment—Outcome 1
Biodiversity, or biological diversity, means the variety of life at all scales, including
the variety of genes, of types within species, of species, and of ecosystems. There
are currently between 1.5 to 1.8 million named species in the world, about half of
which are insects. No one knows how many species are still to be discovered and
efforts to estimate the total number of species on the planet reflect this uncertainty.
We do know that biodiversity is not evenly distributed across the different groups
of plants and animals and regions. For example, some 20 per cent of described
species are beetles and 70 per cent of the world’s species occur in only
12 countries. Australia is one of these ‘mega-diverse’ countries.
The Department of the Environment and Heritage aims to protect biodiversity,
including wildlife and their habitats, and works to ensure that Australia’s use of
biological resources is ecologically sustainable.
Environment—Outcome 1
Objectives
• To conserve biodiversity, focusing on Australia’s biodiversity hotspots and
threatened species
• To protect wildlife by ensuring the management of wildlife industries is
ecologically sustainable and by regulating imports and exports of wildlife
• To develop an effective legal framework for managing access to genetic resources
• To increase understanding of biodiversity
Main results
• The first projects funded under the Maintaining Australia’s Biodiversity
Hotspots Programme will protect habitat in Queensland and South
Australia—total funding of $36 million over 2004–2007 allows the government
to target highly threatened areas and species across Australia, complementing
the department’s longer-term work to protect threatened species
• 67 new recovery plans for threatened species and ecological
communities were approved
• The great white shark is now protected internationally and trade in its
products is regulated under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
45
Biodiversity and wildlife
Environment—Outcome 1
Environment—Outcome 1
• $1.5 million to establish stewardship agreements with private landholders in the
eastern Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia. The arrangements will protect grassy
woodland communities, among the most threatened ecosystems in Australia.
Total funding of $36 million over 2004–2007 will allow the government to target
investment in areas with significant biodiversity values and where conservation
action will be timely and cost-effective. This will complement the department’s
longer-term work to protect matters of national environmental significance.