The Commonwealth Government has declared 2004 the Year of the Built Environment. State and Territory governments have declared their support for the Year and His Excellency the Governor General, Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC has agreed to be Patron In Chief of the Year of the Built Environment 2004.

The aims of the Year are to encourage Australians to celebrate and understand how the built environment makes a difference to their quality of life, and to foster a sense of community and purpose by setting directions for a positive and sustainable future. The National Steering Committee has established six themes for the Year:

1. Towards Sustainable Communities
2. Healthy Environments
3. Excellence in Building
4. Our Built Heritage
5. Imagining the Future
6. Design For All.

The NSW Government recognises that the quality of the built environment is a significant factor in the wellbeing of communities, the conservation of resources and the strength of our economy. The Government has taken a lead role in raising design issues in the community with major initiatives such as the Design Quality Program I announced in 2001. The Year of the Built Environment 2004 provides an opportunity to increase awareness of these matters throughout the community and strengthen efforts towards a number of Government priorities.

I have asked the Government Architect, Mr Chris Johnson, to coordinate activities across the NSW Government. I would ask that all Ministers and Chief Executive Officers ensure that departments and agencies consider policies and initiatives that align with the objectives of the Year of the Built Environment 2004 and could be included as part of the NSW Government's commitment to the Year. A program of NSW Government activities will be announced early in February 2004. I therefore encourage you to nominate an officer in your departments and agencies to liaise with the Government Architect's Office in preparing activities suitable for inclusion.

 Andrew Refshauge
Acting Premier

This Memorandum does not supersede any other Memoranda.