About the project

Coastal ecosystems are remarkable natural assets, home to a range of habitats, ecosystems and species responsible for providing an impressive array of health, social, economic and recreational goods and services. Furthermore, coastlines are of singular cultural importance to all coastal indigenous communities. However, coastal environments are globally challenged by climate change and urbanisation, including coastal development, terrestrial runoff, overfishing, and invasive and pathogenic species. Moreton Bay, adjacent to the heavily populated Greater Brisbane region, contains key habitats and ecosystems that are suffering from this dual impact of climate change and urbanisation. Innovative science that will lead to the sustainable management of urban seascapes such as Moreton Bay is vitally needed. The last comprehensive ecosystem assessment was over 20 years ago and led by UQ. Meanwhile, the Bay has experienced 50% increase in the urban population, major coastal development, two devastating floods, and a severe coral bleaching event (2016). Thus, Moreton Bay’s ecological, cultural and socio-economic values face rapid decline as climate change and local anthropogenic impacts cause biodiversity loss, impairment of ecosystem functioning, and modifications of land- and sea-scapes.

Our research hub will create direct pathways to achieve tangible impacts for a large number of strategic partners and stakeholder (Appendix 2). Researchers at UQ have a longstanding history of working in Moreton Bay, which comes with an impressive network of local, national, and international partnerships. UQ and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) work together closely, a relationship that is formalised through a MOU that respects the native title of the Quandamooka People and promotes collaborations on educational, research, and engagement projects. QYAC and the Quandamooka community are in the process of nominating the region as a World Heritage Area, which, if successful, will give Moreton Bay an international profile associated with numerous links to international organisations, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UQ is also part of a partnership – The Developing Port Growth – with The Port of Brisbane, located in Moreton Bay, which supports the commercial, governance, and operational planning for Australia’s largest capital city multi-cargo port facility. Our research programs will be co-developed with these and other key stakeholders from state (QLD Wetlands Unit, Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, and Qld Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of Environment and Science) and local (Moreton Bay Regional Council, Brisbane City Council, Redlands City Council and Gold Coast City Council) government.