Australian Government searches globally for head of new Environment Information office

The Federal Government is conducting a global search to lead Australia’s first independent, national environmental data and information office - the Environment Information Australia (EIA) – with the aim of managing “nature better for the future”.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek advised “I’m on the hunt for the world’s best biodiversity brain. We’re talking about an exciting chance to combine data and drones to protect dugongs.”

The Budget allocated $51.5 million over four years to set up Environment Information Australia.

EIA will provide environmental information to the independent Environment Protection Australia, the Government, and to the public.

The EIA is anticipated to deliver faster and more transparent decision making - reducing the need to source data for environmental assessments could save project proponents up to $1 million a year.

Minister Plibersek considers the formation of the EIA to be “good for the environment. It is easier to protect nature when we know where threatened species and habitat are.

“The data will be quality, reliable, transparent and searchable. Australians will be able to track improvements or decline in our natural environment.

“The data will underpin the integrity of the nature repair market and make it easier for landholders to participate.”

Environment Information Australia will add another level of transparency to the Government’s Nature Positive agenda – tracking and reporting progress on environmental goals and objectives, including the five yearly State of the Environment Report.

Minister Plibersek added “If you want to picture it, think an Australian Bureau of Statistics for nature. An agency that will survey, monitor and publicise local information on threatened species, vulnerable ecosystems, and the state of our environment.

“Currently businesses and project proponents are losing time and money sourcing the same information over and over again. It’s time consuming and wasteful.

“We want to manage nature better for the future, and we need to give people early warning of areas where development should be avoided. That means making sure we are keeping and using the best information possible. It will help us better protect our precious plants, animals and places, and make faster, clearer decisions.

“It’s better for the environment and better for business.”

Image. Dugong Credit: Great Barrier Reef Foundation