Geoscience Australia Strategy 2026–2036 Index and glossary
Page last updated:24 March 2026
Endnotes
1 Deloitte Access Economics, The economic value of government precompetitive geoscience data and analysis for Australia’s resources industry, DAE website, 2023, accessed 20 February 2026, p. 3; Acil Allen, Economic impact of geospatial services in Australia, Acil Allen website, 2024, accessed 20 February 2026, p. xiii; Deloitte Access Economics, The value of Australian seabed mapping data to the blue economy, DAE website, 2021, accessed 20 February 2026, p. 32.
2 Deloitte Access Economics, The economic value of government precompetitive geoscience data and analysis for Australia’s resources industry.
3 International Energy Agency, Global Critical Minerals Outlook, IEA website, 2024, accessed 12 November 2025.
4 Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering, Our STEM skilled future, ATSE website, 2022, accessed 12 November 2025.
5 Deloitte Access Economics, The economic value of government precompetitive geoscience data and analysis for Australia’s resources industry; Acil Allen, Economic impact of geospatial services in Australia; Deloitte Access Economics, The value of Australian seabed mapping data to the blue economy.
6 Symbios, University of Queensland and Earth Observation Australia, Continuity of Earth Observation Data for Australia: Risks, EOA website, 2024, accessed 20 February 2026, p. 3.
7 Geoscience Australia, Geoscience Australia highlight - Impacts of the Exploring for the Future program, Australian Government Transparency Portal website, 2024, accessed 20 February 2026.
8 Geoscience Australia, Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity roadmap (2024–34), GA website, 2024, accessed 23 February 2026.
9 Geoscience Australia, Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity roadmap (2024–34).
Government priorities index
- Australian Government Crisis Management Framework [PDF 7 MB]
- Critical Minerals Strategy [PDF 15.7 MB]
- Data and Digital Government Strategy [PDF 1.8 MB]
- Future Gas Strategy [PDF 3.64 MB]
- Future Made in Australia [PDF 596 KB]
- National Adaptation Plan [PDF 6.41 MB]
- National AI Plan [PDF 1.75 MB]
- National Agreement on Closing the Gap
- National Science and Research Priorities [PDF 1.56 MB]
- Net Zero Plan [PDF 13 MB]
- Productivity Agenda
Glossary
- EO Earth Observation
- GDP Gross Domestic Product
- NPIC National Positioning Infrastructure Capability
- PNT Positioning, Navigation and Timing
- SouthPAN Southern Positioning Augmentation Network
- STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Images
Page numbers refer to the pdf and print publication.
Cover
Rock formations at sunset. Location: Bouddi Coast Walk, New South Wales. Credit: Bjorn Bergsson.
Contents page
An aerial view of a lush green forest. Location: Leura, New South Wales. Credit: Josh Withers.
Page 6
Shaping kinetic sand. Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Credit: Geoscience Australia.
Page 9
Planet Earth 3D render. Credit: Geoscience Australia.
Page 10
Crowd of people walking over a crosswalk at sunset. Location: Sydney, New South Wales. Credit: Mihailo Milovanovic.
Page 12
Who we are 3D cross section. Credit: Geoscience Australia.
Page 15
Aerial view of mangroves and waterways. Location: Australia. Credit: Andrew Peacock.
Page 16
Aerial view of coastal and estuarine landscape. Location: Australia. Credit: Andrew Peacock.
Page 18
Geoscience Australia: A Journey of Connection, artwork by Lani Balzan. Credit: Lani Balzan.
Page 19
Element from Geoscience Australia: A Journey of Connection, artwork by Lani Balzan. Credit: Lani Balzan.
Page 20
Critical mineral field trip for quartz sampling in the Mt Isa region. Location: Cloncurry, Queensland. Credit: Geoscience Australia.
Page 22
Sunset at Albany Wind Farm. Location: Albany, Western Australia. Credit: Zambezi Shark.
Page 23
Copper ore contained in chalcopyrite. Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Credit: Geoscience Australia.
Page 24
Night-time road traffic. Location: Sydney, New South Wales. Credit: Zetter.
Page 25
Positioning and navigation services. Credit: Jevtic.
Page 26
Digital Earth Australia Coastlines (1988–2023). Location: Cervantes, Western Australia. Credit: Geoscience Australia.
Page 27
Digital Earth Australia Land Cover Explorer. Location: Mindarie, Western Australia. Credit: Digital Atlas of Australia.
Page 28
Aerial view of ship leaving port. Location: Newcastle, New South Wales. Credit: bjeayes.
Page 29
Integrated Surface Hydrology, Bathymetry and Topography. Location: Lower Burdekin River, Queensland. Credit: Geoscience Australia.
Page 30
Railway line near Meckering after the 1968 earthquake. Location: Meckering Fault Line, Western Australia. Credit: Alice Snooke.
Page 31
National Earthquake Alerts Centre. Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Credit: Geoscience Australia.
Page 32
Geoscience Australia staff photograph. Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Credit: Geoscience Australia.
Geoscience Australia: A Journey of Connection, Artwork by Lani Balzan
Geoscience Australia: A Journey of Connection (page 18)
About the artwork
Geoscience Australia: A Journey of Connection. Since the earliest times, the land, sky, waters, and space have guided First Nations peoples, shaping their knowledge and stories. This artwork embodies the deep connections Geoscience Australia shares with Country, honouring the layers of history, exploration, and the continuous mapping of the land. Through vibrant symbolism, the story weaves the journey of understanding Earth’s vast and intricate systems while recognising the enduring relationship between First Nations peoples and the land, waters and skies.
About the artist
Meet Lani Balzan, a proud Aboriginal woman from the Wiradjuri people of the three-river tribe. Though her family roots lie in Mudgee, she grew up traversing various regions of Australia, finally finding her home in Queensland, Australia. Lani Balzan is a nationally acclaimed Aboriginal artist and graphic designer, celebrated for her vibrant works that honor her Wiradjuri heritage. Her art seamlessly blends traditional Aboriginal techniques with contemporary design, serving as a bridge between cultures and fostering reconciliation.
Focus areas explored
Resource potential
Unlocking Australia’s minerals, energy and groundwater resource potential through expert geoscience knowledge and analysis.
Positioning and navigation services
Measuring Australia’s land movement and delivering accurate, reliable and resilient positioning and navigation across Australia’s land and maritime areas.
Earth analysis
Transforming Earth observation data into Earth insights by monitoring, analysing and predicting change across Australia’s dynamic land, water and coastal environment over time.
National land, marine and coastal mapping
Providing trusted national location information on Australia’s land, marine and Antarctic geography (natural and built environment).
Hazards and impacts
Monitoring and modelling natural and human-induced disaster risks and assessing impacts on Australia’s communities and infrastructure.