Table 3 Summary of main topics addressed by Australian environment sector policies

Population growth

Size of population, where the population lives and how people live

Climate change

As a risk to environment systems, economic productivity and human health

Air pollution

Particularly as associated with increased population growth and car dependency

Land use

Risks associated with land clearing, and potential environmental impacts of new infrastructure developments

Soil and water quality

Implications for food production, industry, and health of species

Water management and use

Pertaining to a range of aqueous environments such as rivers, lakes, wetlands and oceans. Management processes, human uses and associated risks

National parks and other protected areas, such as marine parks

Importance of controlled use to support conservation, biodiversity, and tourism. Economic opportunities associated with managed use of these areas

Renewable energy

As a green industry, with potential to reduce climate change impact and support transition in employment

Heritage and Crown land

Preservation of historically and culturally significant sites, rules to permit culturally significant activities in national parks, and co-management of land with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Habitat destruction

As leading to species decline and/or extinction

Resources exploration and production

Impacts of exploration for oil, gas and coal, and the associated environmental risks

Environmental events and disasters

Particularly bushfire and storms (but also floods and droughts). Often linked to climate change

Waste

Production of excessive waste, ineffective handling, waterway pollution and potential for re-use