Environmental reform has been a key element of the Government's agenda over the past six years. It is important that the NSW public sector continue to achieve successful outcomes in this area. To this end, agencies need to better engage the community on issues of environmental protection and disseminate information on sustainable practices widely across the State.

On June 5, 2001 the Government launched a new slogan and logo - Our Environment - It's a Living Thing - to give a uniform brand to all NSW Government activities and programs related to the environment and sustainable behaviours. Linked to this is a three year public education campaign aimed at encouraging the community to adopt practices that are environmentally sustainable.

A Reference Group consisting of the Environmental Protection Authority (chair), Premier's Department, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Roads and Traffic Authority and the NSW Council of Environmental Education has been established to manage the brand/logo and the related public education campaign.

I request all Ministers and Chief Executives to consider:

1. Using the Our Environment - It's a Living Thing brand and logo if programs within your portfolio/s have educational or communication materials that encourage environmentally sustainable behaviours. Detailed specifications and different versions of the logo can be downloaded from www.epa.nsw.gov.au/iltlogo ;
2. Submitting to the Reference Group existing or proposed environmental programs for possible inclusion in the public education campaign. There will be two phases of advertising each year for the next three financial years. In each phase working groups will be established on advertising, research and evaluation, community and industry education and will include representatives of the agencies being promoted.

I wish to emphasise the importance of using the new brand/logo and public education campaign to maximum effect across government. I would appreciate it if you could bring this Memorandum to the attention of agencies within your portfolio/s.

Bob Carr
Premier

Further information:
Peter Rogers, EPA Campaign Manager
9995 5347, [email protected]
Bernard Carlon
EPA Public Communications Director
9995 5347
3 July 2001