For more than 25 years Victorian Governments have actively reformed legislation and established programs to protect the environment. Over that time, the community has contributed significantly to the debate about what governments can do to help.

The creation in 1970 of the Land Conservation Council set an Australian precedent for public land-use planning.

It provided a good example of effective, legislation-supported consultation between community, industry and government. The Council’s advice to the State Government was strengthened by robust debate and by the exchange of information and ideas. By systematically evaluating the use of public land, in balance with the use of all land, a comprehensive land-use framework for more than one-third of Victoria was developed, and a progressive reserve system developed.

In recognition of the Council’s work, and in order to meet the challenges of the future, the Government recently recast the Council’s role with the establishment of the Environment Conservation Council. This new Council will have extended roles and functions in providing advice on natural resource matters from a different and independent perspective than currently available to the Government.

Victoria has led the way in many other areas. The Environment Protection Act 1970, which provided the basis for protecting the quality of our air, water and land through an integrated, outcome-oriented approach, has stood the test of time. The National Parks Act 1975 is regarded as a benchmark of its time, and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 established a precedent for the protection of biodiversity across Australia. Significantly, the Planning and Environment Act 1987 set the framework and policies for the use, development and protection of land throughout Victoria, and is a critical element in an integrated approach to biodiversity in the state.

More recently, the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and the Coastal Management Act 1995 established an integrated approach to natural resource management, through bodies representing partnerships between the community, business and government. Recent local government amalgamations and the 1996 planning reforms further facilitated the incorporation of biodiversity considerations into land planning and use.

What has driven these innovations is grass-roots community initiative and energy. In some cases, these initiatives have developed into Government-funded programs such as Landcare, Waterwatch and Land for Wildlife, which have sought to support community activities.

The aim has always been for the Government to facilitate community efforts to actively contribute to our quality of life and the sustainable use of our natural resources.