The Report Australia: State of the Environment 1996 noted that:

"In many important areas, Australia just does not have the data, the analytical tools or the scientific understanding that would allow us to say whether current patterns of change to the natural environment are sustainable. We are effectively driving a car without an up-to-date map, so we cannot be sure where we are. Improving our view of the road ahead by enhancing the environmental data base is a very high priority. Our intended destination is a sustainable pattern of development, but it is not always clear which direction we need to take to get there."

As this quote makes clear, often we don't have the information to assist actions we want to take. We need data and understanding - and acquiring them may be expensive and time consuming. In some cases, we may have lots of data, but of variable quality, or not well related to the areas, time-frames or issues we are interested in.

In addition to gathering basic data, and developing understanding of the environmental factors to which it relates, we need ways to bring information to bear effectively on whatever environment-related decision we are contemplating, however small.

Indicators can deliver the information to help make decisions. They often appear to be simple measures, but their success lies in accurately summarising and communicating key aspects of complex environments.

A good environmental indicator:

	has an agreed, scientifically sound meaning
	represents an environmental aspect of importance to society
	tells us something important, and its meaning is readily understood
	has a sound and practical measurement process
	helps focus information to answer important questions
	assists decision making by being effective and cost-efficient to use.

Indicators help define the nature and size of environmental problems, set goals for their solution, and track progress towards those goals.

This CSIRO website and the companion booklet aim to help development of effective indicators by describing how they link to environmental management activities, and reviewing factors which make up a good indicator.