Led by the Australia Government, in partnership with state and territory governments, and developed in consultation with key soil stakeholders, Australia’s National Soil Action Plan acknowledges the importance of soil health to Australia’s economic prosperity, environmental health and social wellbeing and initiates tangible actions that are targeting agreed priorities.

Launched in late 2023 and in place until 2028, the Action Plan is driving public and private efforts for Australia’s soil. Actions are being delivered in partnership with governments, science and research institutions, Natural Resource Management organisations and industry bodies, and are structured into four priority action areas:
1. Development of an agreed national framework to support the measurement, monitoring, mapping, reporting and sharing of soil state and trend information, to inform best practice management, decision making and future investment in soil.
2. Partnerships to develop a holistic policy and strategy approach where soil function is recognised, valued,
and protected for the environment, economy, food, infrastructure, health, biodiversity and communities.
3. Accelerated adoption of land use and management practices that improve soil health.
4. Supporting a soil workforce to meet current and future challenges for Australia and the region.

Importantly, the Action Plan also commits to strengthening action on soil globally, with a particular focus on
supporting the soil capabilities in our region.
The Australian Government is leading delivery of the action plan with a range of program investments, including:
- Bilateral partnerships with state and territory governments to deliver nationally important and locally
appropriate soil related activities.
- National soil monitoring and data collection, along with agreed standards, systems and tools, for
comprehensive, high quality, and publicly accessible soil data.
- Soil research projects addressing key knowledge gaps.
-Regional soil coordination and extension services to share knowledge on soil management and sustainable
agriculture practices.

The foundational actions of this Action Plan key to achieving the longer-term vision for soil data and knowledge to better support evidence-based decision-making for sustainable agricultural productivity, food security, the environment, climate and disaster resilience and emissions reduction in Australia.