Environment Strategy

To optimise this potential, target markets around the world, in particular Asia and Africa, have been identified due to their size and proximity as well as their increasing ability to fund the purchase of imported products. More importantly, these economies are recognising the linkages between sustainable growth and protecting and enhancing the environment.

A recent benchmarking study shows Australia is the second most cost effective country in which to access Research and Development (R&D). Measured across all industry sectors in key countries in Asia, the United States and Europe, only Malaysia is a cheaper R&D destination. Australia provides R&D at half the cost of countries such as Japan, Hong Kong and Germany.

As home to the Nation's institutions of excellence, Canberra is Australia's premier R&D centre. Several environmental research and management organisations of international repute are based in ACT:

• The Australian National University
• The Energy Research Centre, attached to ANUTECH
• CSIRO Divisions of Land and Water; Wildlife and Ecology; Entomology; and Plant Science
• The Co-operative Research Centre at the University of Canberra in Freshwater Ecology
• The Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Canberra
• The Australian Defence Force Academy
• ActewAGL

Canberra also provides ready access to Australian Government agencies with environmental responsibilities and interests such as:

• Department of the Environment and Heritage;
• The Australian Greenhouse Office;
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade;
• AusAID;
• Department of Industry, Science and Resources; and
• Department of Defence

Close proximity to these and other Australian Government departments facilitates communication and increases industry links.

• Australian National University
• ActewAGL
• Department of Urban Services
• EnvironmentACT
• NoWaste by 2010
• University of Canberra