Public consultation is now open on Australia's first national action plan on soil.
First Assistant Secretary of Portfolio Strategy and Climate Policy at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Nick Blong, invited all stakeholders across the broad range of sectors supporting healthy soils to have their say and help shape the final action plan.
"As the first action plan under the 20-year National Soil Strategy, it is important that there is a focus on setting good foundations for future actions to halt and reverse soil degradation and improve soil health," Mr Blong said.
"For example, the department is currently progressing important soil data work including working with CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, to build an Australian National Soil Information System. This will allow soil data from different systems to be combined into a single system - underpinning future research and soil management.
"Soil provides essential ecosystem services that support and contribute to: Australia's economic, environmental, and social wellbeing, including food and fibre production; water storage, filtration and nutrient cycling, and carbon storage.
"The draft action plan outlines six priority actions for improving Australia's soil health and long-term soil security.
"It will guide national action to provide a solid foundation to restore and protect Australian soil over the long term."
You can view the draft action plan and provide feedback at haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/soil-action.
