States and feds step up on nature and resources

The federal and state governments set new ambitions to take the country to the biodiversity UN Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16 CBD) in Colombia later this year.

Canberra on Friday committed to set a national '30 by 30' target to protect and conserve 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.

It's part of Australia's updated Strategy for Nature under Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek announced new initiatives to target waste from lithium batteries, tyres, and packaging, invasive species control, and no new extinctions.

The government also agreed to include Other Effective land-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in the proposed Nature Repair Market.

Plibersek said she is committed to "not only protecting nature but leaving it better off for future generations".

"I'm heartened by the strong environmental leadership of environment ministers in their states and territories, and their agreement to ambitious national targets.

"There's a lot to do and we're making great progress.

"I look forward to continuing to work with my state and territory colleagues to build a nature positive Australia - protecting and repairing nature for our kids and grandkids."

Meanwhile, the South Australian state government published its Green Iron and Steel Strategy to establish industry, ensure competitive advantage, and safeguard sustainable long-term prosperity alongside communities, Aboriginal Peoples and Native Title groups.

This includes a new hydrogen-based green iron plant for South Australia by 2030.

Energy and mining minister Tom Koutsantonis plans to deliver a commercial de-risking strategy in partnership with industry to develop a direct reduced iron plant and supporting value chain.

"With our magnetite, renewable energy and a burgeoning hydrogen economy, South Australia brings together all the elements demanded by a decarbonising world," SA premier Peter Malinauskas said.

"To ensure this state's leadership in renewable hydrogen energy, green iron and steel production, South Australia needs to take decisive and coordinated action."