Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
The Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts develops and implements national policy, programs and legislation to protect and conserve Australia's environment and heritage and to promote Australian arts and culture. More about the Department
Montara oil spill
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts is responsible for ensuring the implementation of a plan of action to help any wildlife that might be affected by the Montara oil spill in Commonwealth waters and to respond to any possible impacts in Commonwealth marine reserves in the region.
A long-term scientific environmental monitoring program has been agreed between the Australian Government and the company responsible for the rig, PTTEP Australasia.
Indigenous program funding for 2010-11 now open
Applications are open from 16 November 2009 to 5 February 2010 for funding opportunities under the National Arts and Crafts Industry Support, Indigenous Heritage, Indigenous Culture Support, Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Records, and Indigenous Broadcasting Programs.
Traveston Dam — the federal process
The Environment Minister has made his proposed decision on the Traveston Dam proposal. The minister has announced that he is proposing to refuse the project because of the likely impacts on nationally protected species.
Nominations for the 2009 McKell Medal are CLOSING SOON
The McKell Medal is awarded annually to recognise outstanding achievements in shaping community attitudes and practices in natural resource management through promotion, education, research or other development activities. Nominations close on 20 November 2009.
National Water Initiative pricing principles
The Australian Government, in collaboration with state and territory governments, is seeking comments on the National Water Initiative (NWI) pricing principles and the consultation regulation impact statement for the NWI pricing principles. Comments close close 11pm EDT, 18 December 2009
Environment Ministers agree on National Waste Policy
Australia's environment ministers have agreed to a new National Waste Policy: Less waste, more resources. The historic agreement took place in Perth at the biannual meeting of the Environment Protection and Heritage Council.
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts annual report 2008–09
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts' annual report 2008–09 is now available.
Australian Wetlands Database
Australia currently has 65 Ramsar wetlands that cover around 7.5 million hectares. To explore Australia's Ramsar Listed Wetlands and find valuable information on these sites, visit the new Australian Wetlands Database.
CITES - 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP 15)
Comments are invited from interested individuals and organisations on CoP 15 proposals and agenda items. Comments must be received by 8 January 2010.
First 2009-10 watering action
The Commonwealth is providing almost two billion litres of water for wetlands containing endangered species in Yanga National Park, in southern New South Wales.
On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program
Call for applications in the new $300 million on-farm irrigation efficiency program is now open. Applications close 4pm Eastern Daylight Time Tuesday, 17 November 2009.
Prime Minister's Water Wise Awards
The Prime Minister and Senator Wong have called for nominations into the inaugural Prime Minister Water Wise Awards. Nominations close 30 November 2009 and will be announced at the Australian Water Association's Award's dinner in March 2010.
More news on our what's new page.
November 2009
- National Recycling week - 9th to 15th
- Steve Irwin Day - 15th
- World Fisheries Day - 21st
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