Land use and planning utilizes varied natural resource datasets obtained from diverse sources; national, state, regional, local and site levels. The Australia Government plays a major role in coordinating the collection, compilation, analysis and publication of nationally consistent environmental datasets. These national compilations have proven critical to supporting informed land use decision making at national, state and regional levels. This Australia Government role, acknowledges that the state and territory governments under the Australian constitution are responsible for day-to-day land use and land management. Coordinating the efficient national collection, compilation and supply of agreed data for different purposes involves developing agreed environmental guidelines and standards as well as legal instruments. The Australian Government and its agencies also perform a major role as a broker in the establishment, development and maintenance of mutual benefit partnerships between collaborating land management and research institutions. Good examples of efficient and effective coordinating arrangements are usually supported through publicly funded NRM programs which enable the data owner /supplier to add value to existing data infrastructure programs to meet an agreed national data standard.