Journal article
A national vision for science-enabled coastal and urban development in Australia
Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, Vol.Advanced access
2026
Abstract
Australia’s coastal regions underpin national prosperity, community well-being, and cultural identity but face accelerating pressures from climate change, population growth, and development. This paper presents a national science framework to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of coastal development and associated services in Australia through integrated, science-based approaches operating across jurisdictions and sectors. Drawing on current evidence and practitioner insight, it identifies major knowledge gaps in understanding coastal and ecosystem processes, predicting climate- and human-driven change, designing adaptation options, and integrating socio-economic, Indigenous, and governance dimensions into planning. These gaps inform priority actions to support coordinated progress over the coming decade. The paper highlights the need for shared observation and modelling infrastructure across government, industry, and research; interoperable and accessible data platforms; enhanced workforce capability; and stronger cross-jurisdictional governance to reduce fragmentation in planning and policy. It emphasises Indigenous knowledge, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and co-design with communities and end users to translate science into effective decisions. Implementation pathways are outlined to strengthen governance, improve knowledge transfer, and define clear indicators of societal and scientific impact. Together, these priorities provide a coherent foundation for nationally-coordinated action to support resilient coastal communities, sustainable development, and healthy coastal ecosystems for generations to come.
Details
- Title
- A national vision for science-enabled coastal and urban development in Australia
- Authors
- Ryan J. Lowe (Corresponding Author) - The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, AustraliaPascal Perez - The University of MelbourneDaniel Ierodiaconou - Deakin UniversityRebecca Zitoun - Integrated Marine Observing SystemKatherine A. Dafforn - Macquarie UniversityWilliam Glamore - UNSW SydneyBen S. Hague - Bureau of MeteorologyMadelaine Hooper - GHD Pty Ltd (Australia)Jennifer Jenkins - Infrastructure AustraliaGraziela Miot Da Silva - Flinders UniversityMariana Mayer-Pinto - UNSW SydneyRebecca L. Morris - The University of MelbourneLuke Twomey - Western Australian Marine Science InstitutionXiao Hua Wang - UNSW CanberraAlexander Babanin - The University of MelbourneJonathan Barratt - CelsiusPro (Australia)Melanie J. Bishop - Macquarie UniversityCapri D. Jolliffe - JASCO Applied Sciences (Australia)Marzieh H. Derkani - The University of Western AustraliaCarmen E. Elrick-Barr - University of the Sunshine CoastDavid A. Griffin - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationJeff Hansen - The University of Western AustraliaSalman S. Khan - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationJana Mrazova - Frankston City Council (Australia)Abbie A. Rogers - The University of Western AustraliaArnold Van Rooijen - The University of Western AustraliaScott Smithers - James Cook UniversityKristen D. Splinter - UNSW SydneyStephen E. Swearer - The University of Western AustraliaAna Vila-Concejo - The University of SydneyGreg Williams - RPS Group (Australia)
- Publication details
- Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, Vol.Advanced access
- Publisher
- Routledge
- DOI
- 10.1080/18366503.2026.2684382
- ISSN
- 2333-6498
- Copyright note
- © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991246170502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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