If everyone lived like Victorians, we’d need four planets to cope with our consumption, according to a report presented to regional land and water managers this week.

The Victorian Commissioner for Sustainability and Environment, Dr Ian McPhail, outlined key findings of his State of Environment Report at an information session at Bendigo’s Capital Theatre of Tuesday 7 April. The Report is an all-inclusive 'stocktake' of Victoria's environment and covers a broad range of contemporary issues including climate change, materials and waste, energy, water, river health, land management and biodiversity for the State of Victoria.

Over 70 people attended the information session hosted by the North Central Catchment Management Authority, including representatives from water corporations, local government, environmental agencies, community groups and media.

Dr McPhail’s presentation highlighted that we operate in a culture of consumption and changing climate, which presents humanity with potentially catastrophic challenges. Dr McPhail’s report found that it is cheaper to protect the environment than restore it – but it’s even cheaper to degrade it. Whilst most of the information presented was challenging and confronting, there was some good news for Victoria: our air quality has improved and the hole in the ozone is stabilising.  

Damian Wells, North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer was delighted that the Commissioner made time to visit Bendigo.  “This report will provide key decision-makers with the information to make crucial decisions into the future in regard to our natural resources.”

The State of the Environment report is available on www.ces.vic.gov.au

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au