Geoscience Australia Strategy 2026–2036 Strategic context
Page last updated:24 March 2026
We deliver critical inputs to enable government, industry and communities to make better decisions on Australia’s greatest challenges and opportunities. Our goals are driven by Australian Government priorities and policies. Our vision highlights the important role that geoscience insights play in underpinning Australia’s resilience, innovation and prosperity.
Global trends
Understanding global trends keeps our strategy future-focused
Net zero and critical minerals
Demand for critical minerals for renewable energy sources is expected to triple by 20303.
Economic security and sovereign capability
The government is committed to building domestic capability, strengthening supply chain resilience, attracting investment and positioning Australia as a resilient player in global markets.
Climate change adaptation and resilience
Extreme weather events are intensifying and Australia is exposed to the impacts of a changing climate.
Water and food security
Climate change is amplifying drought and flood risks. Understanding our water access is linked to food, energy and national security.
STEM skills demand
Three-quarters of fast-growing occupations require STEM skills, creating increased workforce pressures 4.
The digital revolution
The shift to artificial intelligence and cloud computing is reshaping how geoscience data is collected, interpreted and applied, making our role in providing trusted national datasets more critical than ever.
Government priorities
Australian Government priorities drive our strategic direction
Future Made in Australia
This initiative drives investment in the energy transition and economic security. Our applied geoscience insights guide exploration and support value-adding across the resource sector. Our products and services accelerate innovation, automation, resilience and productivity gains across the country.
Net Zero Plan
The transition to net zero depends on critical minerals and clean energy technologies. Our satellite-based services are embedded in critical technologies delivering efficiencies across key sectors of the economy. Our mapping and assessment of mineral and clean energy resources helps Australia achieve a sustainable and prosperous future.
Critical Minerals Strategy
Our scientific research, precompetitive data, technical advice and tools help grow the critical minerals sector and position Australia as a secure, reliable and ethical supplier.
Future Gas Strategy
Our scientific data, resource assessments and technical expertise support decisions on gas supply, energy security and the transition to net zero.
Productivity Agenda
The productivity agenda drives our focus on geoscience that directly supports national economic growth, resource development and the transition to net zero.
National AI Plan
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we deliver trusted geoscience for the nation, helping unlock opportunities for productivity and innovation across the economy. Our national datasets and services – supported by standards and digital infrastructure – provide a foundation for effective and responsible use of AI. Through our delivery of key government initiatives, national leadership and international engagement, we will support the success of the National AI Plan.
Data and Digital Government Strategy
The Data and Digital Government Strategy sets a vision for simple, secure and connected public services. This drives our delivery of national geospatial infrastructure, contribution to data maturity uplift across the APS and innovation in scientific digital service delivery.
National Adaptation Plan
Australia's response to climate change is supported by geoscience through our hazard data, exposure information and impact analysis. This work is essential for assessing climate risks from bushfires, floods, droughts, storms, higher temperatures and coastal hazards that affect communities and the environment.
Australian Government Crisis Management Framework
Our work in hazard monitoring and modelling, our geospatial data and platforms and international satellite data services support the Australian Government's all-hazards approach for preparing, responding to and recovering from crises, including natural disasters.
National Science and Research Priorities
The National Science and Research Priorities act as a compass, ensuring our applied geoscience insights directly contribute to government outcomes.
National Agreement on Closing the Gap
The National Agreement on Closing the Gap drives our shared commitments to achieving positive outcomes for First Nations peoples.
And more...
Through our work with other government agencies, we also contribute to a range of national priorities and place-based policies across areas including the environment, national security, local procurement and community safety.
Downloads
Index and glossary
Visit our Index and glossary for publication-wide endnotes, glossary, government priorities and image index.
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.
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.
