DIMIA Annual Report 2004-05
Appendix 11-Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance
The department aims to identify, implement and promote best practice in environmental management, to operate in an ecologically sustainable manner and to provide an environmentally sound workplace that conforms to occupational health and safety requirements.
Achievements during 2004-05 include:
- inclusion of energy saving features for tenant light and power in all office fit-outs in Australia
- initiation of cardboard recycling in the ACT and some state and territory offices
- implementation of streamed recycling at departmental locations in Victoria
- revision and addition of content on environmental issues to the department's internal website
- receipt in November 2004 of a 'Best Practice in Government Award' from the ACT Government for the department's recycling practices in the ACT.
The following table outlines the department's energy performance:
MJ/pp/pa = Megajoules per person per annum
MJ/m²/pa = Megajoules per square metre per annum
*While the energy consumption in the department has been decreasing as a result of energy saving measures, the 2004-05 figures are higher due to the addition of the OIPC to the department's Portfolio during this period
Migration and the environment
State Specific Migration Mechanisms (SSMMs) help state and territory governments avoid increased population and environmental pressures in areas they choose. Conversely, they assist state and territory governments to address skill shortages and population needs that may exist in regional and low growth areas of Australia. These mechanisms are experiencing significant success with increasing numbers of migrants settling in areas outside of Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Perth. These numbers greatly increased in 2004-05.