Survey of Community Values for Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Overview

ARPANSA is the Australian Governments’ primary authority on radiation protection and nuclear safety. ARPANSA performs many monitoring, measurement and assessment activities which provide information and evidence to ensure effective protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.

ARPANSA also provides advice about radiation to support decision making and allow Australians to safely benefit from the positive medical, industrial and commercial uses of radiation. 

ARPANSA strives to deliver high quality, sustainable environmental monitoring and assessment programs that balance efficiency and complexity.

ARPANSA is seeking input from members of the public to ensure our monitoring activities take into account the needs and values of the wider community. We have drafted a set of proposed values for environmental monitoring and assessment which aims to reflect community values in relation to public and environmental health.

The proposed values are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - Proposed community values for environmental monitoring and assessment

The values outlined in Figure 1 are:

1. Ecosystem health - the overall health and integrity of the ecosystem and wildlife populations.
2. Cultural and spiritual heritage - protecting traditional land use and sites of importance to First Nations peoples.
3. Food and drinking water safety - food and water are safe for consumption.
4. Clean air - air is safe for human activities in the environment.
5. Recreation and environment - recreation activities can be enjoyed safely.
6. Economic activity - a safe environment for industrial use and economic benefit.
7. Public advice - relevant and accurate information to support decision making.

How to participate

You can participate in the survey by clicking on the Have your Say link below. This link will take you to a short survey that will allow you to provide your opinion and any comments or feedback in relation to the proposed values. 

Please ensure to only make a single submission of the survey as multiple responses from individuals may not be considered.

Submissions close for this survey at 11:59pm, Thursday 31 October 2024.

Why your views matter

The community values for environmental monitoring and assessment will be used to ensure ARPANSA’s monitoring and assessment activities are providing information that supports maintenance of public and environmental health.

Feedback is being sought to ensure that the values considered in ARPANSA’s environmental monitoring and assessment are reflective of the values of the Australian public.