Environmental Capacity Building in Australia

To understand more fully the character of environmental problems in Australia it is important to consider the continent’s geography and its distinctive historical development as a nation state. Australia covers a vast territory (7,682,000 square kilometres) but has a low population density. Most people are concentrated in several cities, largely on the eastern coast. Compared to other OECD countries the current population of 18.4 million is likely to grow at a fairly rapid rate. The unique aspects of Australia’s political economy (Bell and Head, 1994) are also important factors, and have been pivotal in debates about greenhouse gas emissions. Government sources point to heavy reliance on exporting agricultural products and resource processing industries. Another important consideration is the shape of the political system with its three tiers (federal, state, and local). The states have extensive powers to legislate, manage and regulate the environment. Local government is responsible for land use planning and aspects of development. However, over the past two decades, the main shift in power in this area has been towards the federal government.