- Author Hardy, M., Burrows, D., Dale, A, Douglas, M., Jordan, A., Karoly, D., Parris, K., Morgain, R., Morris, S., White, B.
- Publish date 30 September 2021
- Type Report
- Documents
- Strategic policy development
Summary
Integrated environmental assessment (IEA) is a policy-orientated process for combining information from diverse knowledge systems to inform decision-making.
This technical report explores Integrated Environmental Assessment (IEA) as an approach with significant potential to improve the delivery of sustainable development in northern Australia. IEA is an interdisciplinary and policy-orientated process for combining information from diverse scientific disciplines and knowledge systems to inform and enhance decision-making. IEA helps close decision-making, data and engagement gaps between higher level legislative requirements and on-ground project assessment and approval. The ability of IEA to synthesise and analyse information from multiple knowledge systems at relevant scales makes it particularly useful for informing development decisions in large, contested areas that contain high biodiversity and cultural values. As one example, products arising from the IEA process could integrate with and inform landscape-scale and regional planning, helping to identify areas where development, cultural and environmental conservation values overlap, compete or complement, and facilitate exploration of scenarios of environmental and development futures.
This report explores an IEA process framework for Australia, and offers a preliminary analysis of using IEA in Northern Australia. Drawing on current knowledge and experience in IEA, this technical report explores a broadly applicable IEA process framework for conducting IEA in Australia. The report provides a preliminary analysis of using IEA in northern Australia, stepping through each stage of an example IEA process framework. This is not a report on an actual IEA process, rather a scoping document with the objective of highlighting how the IEA approach could inform and improve sustainable development decisions in Australia.
Projects
Leading CRCNA’s De-risking and supply chain investment and impact
Northern Australia’s future economic growth depends on efficient, resilient and well-connected supply chains that can support agriculture, resources, tourism and regional development. While the region is strategically positioned to expand trade with Asia-Pacific markets, supply chains remain fragmented, infrastructure gaps persist and access to integrated data for investment decision-making is limited. This project explored how improved supply chain modelling, integrated data systems and collaborative planning could support more effective investment and development across northern Australia. The research examined supply chain challenges affecting industries and regions throughout the north, identifying barriers including transport and logistics constraints, limited storage and processing infrastructure, workforce shortages, digital connectivity issues, high operating costs and fragmented governance arrangements. A key outcome of the project was the development of a framework for integrated supply and value chain modelling. The study highlighted the need for better collection, sharing and analysis of supply chain data to support evidence-based decisions around infrastructure investment, export opportunities, workforce planning, regional development and industry growth. It proposed a collaborative approach involving governments, industry, researchers and infrastructure providers to develop long-term modelling capability across northern Australia. The project also emphasised the importance of strengthening supply chain resilience in response to disruptions such as natural disasters, market volatility and the impacts of COVID-19. By improving understanding of freight networks, investment priorities and emerging market opportunities, the research sought to support more coordinated development pathways and reduce barriers to investment across the north. The findings provide a foundation for future collaboration between governments, industry and research organisations to improve supply chain performance, enhance regional connectivity and support sustainable economic development. Through better data, stronger partnerships and more sophisticated modelling tools, the project contributes to building a more competitive, resilient and investment-ready northern Australia.