The National Sustainability Council has released its first report examining a range of challenges dealing with sustainability.
The "Sustainable Australia Report 2013: Conversations with the Future Report" examines the evidence behind the trends, issues and challenges affecting Australia's environment, society, economy and collective wellbeing.
It is the first report of its kind in Australia.
The National Sustainability Council was established by the Australian Government in October 2012 to provide independent advice on sustainability issues to the government.
Part of the council's remit includes reporting against the sustainability indicators every two years and highlighting key trends and emerging issues for policy and decision makers and communities in Australia
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) applauded the report.
GBCA executive director of advocacy, Robin Mellon, said the report emphasises that sustainability is not simply a matter of protecting the natural environment.
"True sustainability means ensuring that future generations have at least the same quality
of life as we have enjoyed," he said.
"To secure a sustainable Australia, we must address a complex web of economic, social and environmental factors – from improving housing affordability, employment and education opportunities, to reducing car dependence and rates of obesity, as well as building resilience and adapting to climate change."
"To sustain the wellbeing of the Australian people over the long term, we must find new ways of supporting economic growth without degrading the environment. This means accelerating innovation, investing in research and embracing sustainable development,”
Sustainable Australia 2013: Conversations with the Future can be downloaded from:
www.environment.gov.au/nationalsustainabilitycouncil