Chapter 12: Agency achievements and the way forward

Abbreviations

A list of the abbreviations used in this report is available in the Glossary

A sustainable environment

The prolonged drought and urgent need for improved water management in Australia, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin, have been a major focus of agency activity.

DAFF established a Drought Stakeholder Reference Group to advance reforms designed to better equip farmers to manage severe drought conditions and reduce confusion associated with government drought relief processes. In addition, it led the development of an Australian Government Murray River initiative to attain water recovery targets and make the best use of water recovered for the environment. It is also working with the southern Murray-Darling states on water trading issues with the aim of expanding permanent interstate water trade.

In relation to the critical issue of water, DAFF administered the Community Water Grants Programme which will rehabilitate about 15,000 hectares of land and save billions of litres of water each year. DAFF also developed the Securing our Fishing Future package to end overfishing and improve the profitability of Australia’s fisheries.

DEH and DFAT continued their efforts to develop practical, long-term solutions to climate change. They have been instrumental in establishing the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate which is a new way forward for countries to work together to reduce greenhouse emissions.

Management Advisory Committee agencies’ key achievements, 2005–06

A sustainable environment: read more about key achievements during 2005-06

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