The document discusses the need for an effective environmental indicators system to support decision making around natural resource management in Australia. It proposes that an ideal system would:
1. Integrate indicators within each stage of the decision making process, from identifying problems to evaluating policies and strategies.
2. Aggregate data into indices and indicators to synthesize information at different scales for national, regional, and local planning needs.
3. Allow flexibility in working with indicators across scales using tools like geographical information systems, while validating the system with stakeholders.
The goal is to assess Australia's current system and identify ways to better support the assessment and monitoring of natural resource condition for sustainable development objectives.