Australian Government Agencies

Bureaucracy, oversight and protections

Australian Government Agencies listed here include local, state and federal departments.  Links are ordered from local government through to state, then federal government agencies, focusing on environment, development and tourism departments and resources.

Local Government Agencies

  • Australian Local Government Association - Environment: “The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is the national voice of local government, representing 537 councils across the country. In structure, we are a federation of state and territory local government associations.”  Link goes to web site search results for "environment", and returns a good selection of articles, papers and submissions to state and federal departments.
  • Ballina Shire Council ...is located in the Northern Rivers of the Far North Coast of New South Wales. It covers an area of 485 km² with a population of approximately 41,000 (2011 Census). We have a prosperous economy based on building, retail, tourism, hospitality, agriculture and education."  Environment information is available via a dropdown menu.
  • Byron Shire Council - Environment and Sustainability search results.
  • Gold Coast City Council - environment. "The Gold Coast is one of the most biodiverse cities in Australia. We are working to protect our landscapes and wildlife, recognising the critical importance of healthy natural environments in shaping a strong and sustainable future."  Sustainable living.
  • Kyogle Council  The effects of climate change pose a number of risks to Council and our communities in terms of infrastructure, community facilities, local businesses, aged and community care and associated health issues. In response to these issues Council has produced the following plans;"
  • Lismore City Council "The City of Lismore is a local government area in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia." Environment and Sustainability information is available via a dropdown menu.
  • Richmond Valley Local Government Area (LGA) "...covers approximately 3051 square kilometres and stretches about 85 km inland from the coast of Evans Head to the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. The LGA has boundaries with Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle and Clarence Valley Councils." Search results : Environment.
  • Scenic Rim Council "...recognises the significant contribution of residents, landowners and community groups to the conservation and enhancement of the region's natural resources and environment. Council seeks to deliver a range of positive environmental outcomes through a variety of programs which support the efforts of individuals and organisations."  Environmental Initiatives, Sustainability programs
  • Tweed Shire Council (TSC) - Sustainability Programme   "Sustainability is about finding the right balance between civic leadership, environmental protection, economic development and social equity. It begins with an understanding that it is the environment that ultimately supports the economy and society, for without a healthy environment, food and water supply is jeopardised, quality of life declines, tourism and associated businesses suffer and the Tweed becomes a place where people no longer want to live, work and visit."  Programme summary with links to other resources.  See also TSC search "sustainability", with an option to include documents in the search.  See also TSC - Environment and site map.
  • See also Big Volcano Government Services Links where available and phone numbers, for local councils, state and federal political representatives.

State Government Agencies

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Members of the NSW State Parliament So you can quickly identify and contact the appropriate local member or Minister.
  • Destination NSW "We are the lead government agency for the New South Wales (NSW) tourism and major events sectors. .... This is our corporate website which features latest industry news, resources for industry and media releases.
  • Marine Parks Authority, NSW An excellent website with most of the information you'll need on current and proposed parks, presented in a fast to download, easy on the eye style. If any information was left out, I didn't miss it. Finally ... a .gov.au web site that "gets it"!
  • NSW Department of Primary Industries - Fishing and Aquaculture An excellent site design and information wise, for professional and recreational fishers, and anyone interested in our fish species, waterways and coast. "Over 2 million people go fishing each year in NSW. Our fisheries resources belong to the whole community. To keep them sustainable we're continually conducting research, informing the public about responsible fishing and patrolling the State's waterways." See also Ospreys fouled with fishing tackle
  • NSW Environment & Heritage NPWS Park management "NPWS manages more than 850 national parks and reserves, that is more than 7 million hectares comprising landscapes from rainforests and rugged bush to coastal landscapes and outback deserts. ... Park management documents include plans of management and fire management strategies. Plans of management contain information on the natural environments, Aboriginal heritage, history, and recreational opportunities in a park."
  • NSW Forest Agreements "... are the result of consultation and consensus established between the NSW Government and major forest stakeholders. By detailing the agreed basis for long-term decisions on forest use and management, they provide certainty for industry, conservation and the community... ."
  • NSW Department of Natural Resources (DNR) "The Department of Natural Resources was abolished in April 2007. Information formerly held on its website has been transferred to other NSW government agency sites."  Landing page with redirect links to appropriate agencies.
  • NSW Department of Transport - Maritime Services "Maritime is responsible for marine safety, regulation of commercial and recreational boating. Maritime is also responsible for property management of submerged lands in Sydney Harbour, Newcastle Harbour, Botany Bay and Port Kembla."   Comprehensive, easy to navigate web site.   If you're into waterbased recreation or a commercial operator on the waterways, check it out!

Queensland (QLD)

  • Tourism and Events Queensland "This site features news and media assistance, business tools, industry information and development strategies." Great tools and resources for operators and travel industry.
  • Department of Environment and Science "Our department recognises the enormous value a clean environment, innovative society and economy, and vibrant culture contributes to our lives. As a diverse organisation, the department brings together key areas of work to achieve our objectives for a better Queensland."
  • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).   "The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is responsible for managing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park so it's protected for the future. .... Our work is guided by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, Corporate Plan, Australian Government policies, Portfolio Budget Statement, Outlook Report and government priorities. We use the best available scientific information to guide us, and engage with experts and the community. This includes four Reef Advisory Committees and 12 Local Marine Advisory Committees."  Site Map

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Parks and Wildlife Service - Tasmania "The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service commenced operations in 1971 with the vision of protecting, presenting and managing in concert with the community, Tasmania's unique and outstanding reserve system for all people, for all time."

Western Australia (WA)

Federal Government Agencies

  • Parliament of Australia  The Parliament consists of two Houses (the House of Representatives and the Senate), and the Queen, represented in Australia by the Governor General. Parliament makes laws, authorises the Government to spend public money, scrutinises government activities, and is a forum for debate on national issues."    The rabbit hole of bureaucracy.
  • Department of Evironment and Energy.   "The Department designs and implements Australian Government policy and programs to protect and conserve the environment, water and heritage, promote climate action, and provide adequate, reliable and affordable energy."
  • FlagPost — Parliamentary Library Blog  "Flagpost is a blog on current issues of interest to members of the Australian Parliament"
  • The Australian Heritage Council "is the principal adviser to the Australian Government on heritage matters. The Council assesses nominations for the National Heritage List, and the Commonwealth Heritage List. The Minister may ask the Council for advice on action that he may take in relation to the List of Overseas Places of Historic Significance to Australia."
  • Tourism Australia Corporate web site for the Australian tourism industry with news & media, research and statistics, and more.
  • Tourism Research Australia "is a branch within the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.We are Australia's leading provider of quality tourism intelligence across both international and domestic markets."

See also Australian Political Parties and Development and Environment

Grass Trees, Tweed Valley, NSW

See Also:

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