Water in the community

Developing catchment-scale expertise

Griffith University is a top-ranked Australian university for natural and physical sciences research and teaching. Water management and whole of water cycle approaches to research and teaching are part of the interdisciplinary School of Environment and Science, including Queensland's only (and Australia's first) professionally accredited Environmental Science degree. Students are provided with catchment-scale expertise to prepare them for real world water management challenges through specific water-related qualifications. World-class research in water and coastal management is conducted through the Australian Rivers Institute and the International WaterCentre.

Off-campus water conservation support

Through Griffith’s research activities, Griffith University provides a number of off-campus water conservation support programs, including support for local, rural, and international communities.

Read about some of our case studies below.

Water conservation in Fiji

Restoring catchments and strengthening water resilience through industry partnership

Climate-resilient water solutions for communities

Water conservation support for students and local communities

Promoting conscious water usage in the wider community

Through its research partnerships, Griffith University works with both urban and regional communities to guide and build pathways of change that enable resilience to various water-induced natural and social pressures, such as floods and catchment activities. These activities include the promotion of conscious water usage in these communities through campaigns, events and co-design research.

Read about some of our case studies below.

The iKnow, weKnow project is collaboratively creating a toolbox of innovative, community-based approaches for water and energy management and conscious water usage in remote Australia. The co-designing of a resilient water and energy toolbox for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities project is a three-year project (2023-2026) funded by project partners in Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory and an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage grant. The name iKnow, weKnow represents the combination of Indigenous knowledge, technical water and energy expertise, and digital technologies. It emphasises inclusivity, transitioning from individual behaviours to collective action to promote water conscious behaviours and ensure water and energy security in a climate-changed future remote and isolated communities in Australia, thus transforming water and energy use practices. The project is being conducted in four communities – Djarindjin (Western Australia), Atitjere (Northern Territory), Mapoon and Warraber (Queensland).

iKnow, weKnow

Healthy Land and Water (HLW) is a peak environmental non-government organisation for South East Queensland. For over 20 years, HLW has been dedicated to investing in and leading initiatives to build the prosperity, liveability, and sustainability of our region.

Griffith University partners with HLW to provide community-focused projects to improve water management, including the promotion of conscious water usage, and biodiversity conservation. Griffith University academics contribute to HLW scientific and advisory committees to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes for South East Queensland communities through partnerships and science-led solutions

Healthy Land and Water

Education programmes on fresh-water ecosystems

Griffith University provides educational opportunities for students and communities, locally and nationally, through a range of specific water-related qualifications, off-the-shelf or custom-designed short courses, and community events and outreach. These initiatives include topics including fresh-water ecosystems, water management, water irrigation practices, and catchment and soil sciences. They are designed specifically for local and national communities, including practitioners, community members and leaders, government, non-government organisations or civil society organisations, businesses and students, with most programs funded by government agencies or grants, ensuring participation is free of charge for attendees.

Read about some of our educational case studies below.

Integrated water resource management training for Pacific Island countries

Through the International WaterCentre at Griffith University, Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) training was delivered in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) and the IW:LEARN programme, bringing together representatives from 14 Pacific Island Countries to strengthen knowledge and skills in freshwater resource management.

The educational programme focused on building capacity for the sustainable management of freshwater resources in a region facing increasing pressures from climate change, natural disasters and growing water demand. Participants engaged in workshops, peer learning activities and knowledge exchange sessions designed to support resilient water governance and improve water security outcomes for Pacific communities.

The training combined foundational IWRM concepts and theory with practical case studies drawn from across the Pacific, helping participants develop a shared understanding of integrated water management approaches while exploring real-world freshwater ecosystem challenges and solutions. The programme incorporated opportunities for talanoa, storian, tok stori and maroro - culturally grounded forms of dialogue, storytelling and knowledge sharing used throughout the Pacific. These discussions enabled participants to openly share experiences, challenges and successful practices from their own countries and learn from one another's approaches to freshwater management.

By recognising and building upon existing Pacific expertise, the programme created a collaborative learning environment that strengthened professional networks and regional cooperation. Government representatives, water practitioners and technical specialists exchanged practical lessons on water security, freshwater ecosystem stewardship and climate resilience, supporting the development of locally relevant solutions for Pacific communities.

The initiative contributes to improved freshwater ecosystem management and sustainable water governance by equipping participants with practical tools, a common language for integrated water resource management, and strengthened professional networks to address complex water security challenges across the region.

Training groups of Traditional Owners in monitoring and safeguarding waterways

The fact that the Gulf of Carpentaria region is seen as one of Australia’s iconic, pristine natural environments, full of wildlife and natural wonders, can lead to complacency when it comes to monitoring the health of these ecosystems over time making them particularly vulnerable.

A 2022-2024 collaboration between Griffith University and the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation ( CLCAC ) is helping to overcome this complacency. This is being achieved through the development and implementation of an educational program on freshwater ecosystems. As part of this program, Traditional Owners are being trained to take the lead monitoring and safeguarding fresh and marine waterways in the Gulf of Carpentaria region, thus promoting good aquatic stewardship.

Aquatic systems, such as wetlands, lakes, rivers and streams, groundwater seeps and estuaries can suffer from water quality problems, both natural and manmade, which impact drinking water supplies, and the animals and plants that live in these systems. There is also increasing pressure from water development, which can impact on waterway productivity and health.

Traditional owners have lived in northern Australia for tens of thousands of years and have a deep knowledge and connection to these aquatic systems, and a desire to protect them.

In the southern Gulf of Carpentaria lands, the CLCAC undertake ranger programs support the aquatic health of the lands and waters. Their program now includes water quality monitoring in both marine and freshwater lakes, wetlands, rivers and estuaries, thanks to a collaboration CLCAC initiated with Griffith University researchers.

This educational program involved developing a monitoring program tailored for each ranger group and identification of sites either of particular significance and/or where there is concern about water quality. Throughout 2023 three ranger groups conducted their own regular monitoring of the region, with an additional group trained in 2024.

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Nepal river basin management education and capacity building

Mekong Delta climate resilience and integrated transformation (MERIT) study tour

Support to improve reservoir water quality management in Thailand

Thailand faces challenges in managing water quality across many reservoirs due to agricultural, domestic and industrial pollution, urbanisation, increasing water demand and climate change. Through the Mekong Water Facility, Griffith University and Australian partners have worked with Thailand's Royal Irrigation Department (RID) to deliver educational programmes that build capacity in sustainable water management, reservoir monitoring and aquatic ecosystem conservation.

The programme supports knowledge exchange on reservoir water quality management and sustainable water irrigation practices through workshops, technical training, field learning and professional exchanges between Australian and Thai water practitioners. Initial activities focused on sharing Australian experiences and standard methodologies for reservoir water quality monitoring, eutrophication prevention and mitigation, resulting in the development of a Reservoir Water Quality Monitoring Manual and implementation guidelines for use by RID. The manual was subsequently trialled and demonstrated to regional RID staff, extending learning opportunities across multiple regions of Thailand.

In 2025, the programme expanded through a five-day workshop held in Lampang, Thailand, bringing together Australian and Thai experts to consolidate key learnings and inform future cooperation on reservoir water quality management. The workshop included classroom presentations, technical discussions, field excursions and collaborative planning activities, providing participants with practical knowledge and skills to support freshwater ecosystem management and reservoir conservation.

Additional capacity-building activities were delivered through a five-week professional staff exchange programme involving two early- to mid-career female technical officers from Thailand's Royal Irrigation Department. During their placement in Australia, participants undertook English language training, received technical mentoring from Sunwater on Australian irrigation and water resource management practices, and completed specialised training in AquaWatch applications to support water quality monitoring and eutrophication management. Participants also received mentoring on Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles, strengthening their capacity to act as change agents within Thailand's water sector.

By combining workshops, field-based learning, technical mentoring and international professional exchanges, the programme strengthens the capability of water practitioners responsible for managing Thailand's reservoirs and freshwater ecosystems. The initiative supports improved water quality management, sustainable irrigation practices and long-term conservation of aquatic ecosystems through ongoing education and knowledge sharing.

International Water Centre short course and community outreach

Australia Awards Indonesia water utility regulatory approaches

Water-related qualifications

We have a range of qualifications available to community members, alumni, graduates, school leavers and non-school leavers. Students are provided with catchment-scale expertise to prepare them for real-world water management challenges through specific water-related qualifications.

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Educational programmes and outreach for the sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism

Griffith University offers educational programmes and outreach for local and national communities, including practitioners, on sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism through its research and partnerships. These programmes are designed specifically for local and national communities, including practitioners, community members and leaders, government, non-government organisations or civil society organisations, businesses and students, with most programs funded by government agencies or grants, ensuring participation is free of charge for attendees.

Read about some of our educational programmes and community outreach case studies below.

Sustainably feeding the world through climate-adaptive fisheries

Freshwater ecology program

Freshwater Ecology (SIP)

Freshwater ecology is important for fisheries because fish are a key part of the ecosystem, and their populations depend on the health of the environment, including factors like water quality, habitat, and flow. Understanding ecological principles is crucial for maintaining healthy fisheries, as changes in the ecosystem can have significant impacts on fish abundance, health, and the ability to fish sustainably.

Overview

It describes the concepts of: interactions and relationships between abiotic and biotic factors, feeding relationships, impacts of introduced species plus the importance of water quality and monitoring strategies.

During the program students will analyse and interpret abiotic and biotic information gathered from Mimosa Creek (Bulimba Creek Catchment). Monitoring strategies will include dip netting for macro-invertebrates, identifying macro-invertebrates and introduced species with microscopes, sensitivity scores, utilising a horiba data logger (pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, water temperature) plus chemical testing strips to detect phosphates and nitrates. Students will then compare this data to a sample of water collected from Stable Swamp Creek (Oxley Creek Catchment).

In concluding, students will evaluate the information collected throughout the day, including the feeding relationships and impact of introduced species, before justifying their water quality score and the overall health of both waterways.

This content maps to a provided sample assessment which may be used by teachers at your discretion.

Freshwater Ecosystems has been assessed as medium risk. A Curriculum Activity Risk Assessment is available on request.

Curriculum Intent

Science in Practice - Unit Option B: Ecology

Concepts - Describe:

Interaction and relationship between abiotic and biotic factors
Feeding relationships
Reasons for species being introduced and the scope of impacts on native species and environments
The importance of water quality
Examples of monitoring strategies and physical, chemical and biological indicators

Information - Analyse and Interpret:

Food pyramids and food webs
Information from investigations

Procedures and Skills - Execute, Evaluate and Plan:

Measurement of materials and variables e.g. pH, turbidity, salinity
Evaluate water quality monitoring data from different sites and potential benefits for the community, environment and economy
Completion of food chains and food webs
Identification and classification of common local organisms

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Restoring Mary River cod habitat through community-led conservation and fisheries stewardship

Researchers from Griffith University's Australian Rivers Institute, led by Dr Luke Carpenter-Bundhoo, have developed and tested innovative approaches to restore habitat for the endangered Mary River cod, one of Australia's most iconic freshwater fish species. The work focuses on addressing the loss of natural woody habitat that has occurred following widespread clearing of riparian vegetation and river modification across south-east Queensland waterways.

The success of the research has contributed to broader adoption of cod habitat restoration throughout south-east Queensland. In 2026, more than 200 cod hotels began installation across regional waterways as part of major waterway rehabilitation initiatives delivered through the Resilient Rivers South East Queensland program. The structures provide refuge areas for native fish, including the endangered Mary River cod, while complementary habitat restoration works improve riverbank stability, aquatic connectivity and overall ecosystem health.

A key strength of the initiative is its strong community engagement component. Through partnerships with the Somerset Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association, local councils, landholders, government agencies and community volunteers, the project provides opportunities for community members to participate in habitat restoration, fish monitoring, native fish recovery and riparian revegetation activities. Community groups also support citizen-science monitoring programs, fish stocking activities and public education initiatives that encourage stewardship of local waterways and native fish populations.

By combining applied research, habitat restoration and community engagement, the project demonstrates how practical conservation actions can support sustainable fisheries while protecting threatened freshwater species. The adoption of cod hotel restoration approaches by local governments and regional catchment programs highlights the project's contribution to fisheries stewardship and the long-term recovery of important aquatic ecosystems.

Read the research article Read the Cod Hotels project story Learn about Cod Logs

Maritime resources and blue economy with sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka

The Maritime Resources and Blue Economy with Sustainable Tourism in Sri Lanka Fellowship (2024-2025), funded through the Australian Government's Australia Awards Fellowship program and delivered by Griffith University's International Development Unit, was designed as an educational programme for professionals working with local and national communities on sustainable marine resource management, fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.

The fellowship built institutional and individual capacity through specialist training, knowledge exchange, study tours, professional networking and policy engagement. Participants explored approaches to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, environmental management, maritime resource governance and sustainable tourism, supporting the responsible use of Sri Lanka's extensive marine and coastal resources. The programme promoted the integration of economic development with environmental stewardship, ensuring marine resources are managed sustainably while supporting community livelihoods and long-term resilience.

A key focus of the fellowship was the development of sustainable blue economy practices that balance ocean conservation with economic opportunity. Participants investigated strategies to support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, strengthen coastal community resilience, and expand environmentally responsible marine tourism opportunities such as ecotourism, wildlife-based tourism and other sustainable coastal tourism initiatives. Through capacity building and policy support, the fellowship helped participants apply knowledge and skills within government, industry and community settings to advance sustainable management of marine resources.

By fostering international collaboration and strengthening professional capability, the fellowship contributed to improved stewardship of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism sectors, supporting sustainable development outcomes for coastal communities while protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.

Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre

Educational programmes and outreach about overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices

Griffith University offer educational outreach activities for local or national communities to raise awareness about overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices through its research and partnerships. Fisheries production across the globe is either static or in decline, with pressures from overfishing, pollution and climate change. Griffith supports efforts to ensure the future sustainability of fisheries production by integrating ecosystem, economic and social drivers including outreach activities to raise awareness about overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices. These programmes are designed specifically for local and national communities, including practitioners, community members and leaders, government, non-government organisations or civil society organisations, businesses and students, with most programs funded by government agencies or grants, ensuring participation is free of charge for attendees.

Krish Gnanapragasam is a PhD candidate in Griffith Business School. Krish’s research, which ran from 2021 to 2025, focused on understanding the current state of coastal fisheries and exploring sustainable solutions to combat overfishing, taking Sri Lanka as a case study. Through this research, Krish worked with fishers to identify practical strategies to reduce overfishing.

One of Krish’s studies investigated how fishermen and their wives make joint decisions about adopting sustainable fishing practices. It found that women are generally more focused on long-term sustainability goals, highlighting the need to include women’s perspectives—often overlooked—in community fisheries management. The study’s findings were shared directly with fishing communities to promote gender-inclusive decision-making, encourage sustainable practices, and reduce overfishing and destructive fishing practices.

Another component of the Krish’s PhD involved seeking the viewpoints of fishermen, their wives, fisheries cooperative officials, and NGO representatives. This study explored local preferences for fisheries governance and found that fishing communities are open to collaborative arrangements with government agencies, rather than relying solely on self-managed or centralised systems. While fishers disagreed with the need to reduce overfishing, they indicated that they are willing to adopt fishing-free days and seasonal fishing closures, but would need compensation during these periods.

Both studies served as educational outreach initiatives to support informed, inclusive, and sustainable fisheries management at the community level and reduce overfishing.

The Fishing 2.0 project, which commenced in 2024 and is ongoing, aims to increase voluntary catch reporting among Queensland’s recreational fishers using the QLD Fishing 2.0 app. By improving the quality and quantity of recreational catch data—especially for species like Spanish mackerel—the project supports evidence-based fisheries management and long-term sustainability. Across four participatory workshops, recreational fishers helped shape campaign messaging, incentives, and app improvements. The tagline “Report today, Fish tomorrow” was developed to foster trust and collective action. The Fishing 2.0 project involves working with fishers through education outreach activities and is a vital step toward sustainable fisheries management in Queensland. Recreational fishers catch millions of fish each year, yet voluntary reporting remains low, limiting the data available to monitor stock health, guide responsible harvesting, and reduce destructive fishing practices. When fishers voluntarily report their catches, authorities and researchers gain valuable insights into fishing activity, which can help identify trends, detect suspicious or unsustainable practices, and promote compliance with regulations. Fishing 2.0 addresses this gap by making catch reporting easier, more trusted, and more rewarding through the QLD Fishing 2.0 app. The project uses behavioural science, community outreach and stakeholder co-design to shift reporting from a niche behaviour to a community norm.

Nutrient Release from Aquaculture Activities

The 2 main species farmed in Queensland pond aquaculture are black tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) and barramundi (Lates calcarifer). The aquaculture industry has potential to expand as wild-caught fish become increasingly less available and as demand for seafood continues to grow. Managing waste nutrients from intensive freshwater and marine pond aquaculture is a global challenge. In 2023, Professor Burford and Mr Simon Trabrett communicated their research results, industry practices, and regulatory policies to a broad range of stakeholders. She identified gaps in knowledge, ongoing community concerns, and potential avenues for further improvements in the environmental management of shrimp farms in Australia. This was based on her 2021-2022 project, which sought to develop a better understanding of current nutrient management practices used by the prawn and barramundi sectors of the pond aquaculture industry in Queensland. A further aim was to identify opportunities for improved nutrient management, environmental assessment and regulation for aquaculture activities within the Reef catchment, and more broadly across Queensland.

Read the final report

Australian Rivers Institute: Sustainable fisheries and coastal ecosystems

At the Australian Rivers Institute, we provide practical, evidence-based solutions, education and community outreach for tackling the increasing challenges to marine ecosystem health, biodiversity and fisheries from excessive nutrients and toxicants, fishing pressure, overfishing and climate change. Marine ecosystems are under increasing threat from these stressors but they also support activities highly valued by humans, including tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and recreation. In an era of rapid global change, we work with practitioners, government and industry through community outreach and research to enhance the values derived from coastal ecosystems, including tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and recreation. We support efforts to ensure the future sustainability of fisheries production by integrating ecosystem, economic and social drivers. Our work is focused on Australia and developing countries to help balance production and environmental sustainability of fisheries and minimise overfishing and destructive fishing practices.

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Griffith events promoting conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and marine resources

Griffith University supports, hosts and organises events aimed to promote integrated water management and the conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and marine resources. In 2024 and 2025, Griffith supported a number of key events including:

Water security, WASH, and climate resilience are deeply interconnected, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, where climate challenges such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and water scarcity are becoming more severe. This conference explored how ensuring access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and effective water management is not only critical for health but also foundational to building resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Working collaboratively with partners across the region, Water for Women and International WaterCentre (IWC) at Griffith University hosted this conference as an opportunity for professional, practitioners and Development Partners working in water, WASH, climate, water conservation and GEDSI, to share best practices and integrated approaches as a fundamental requirement of climate resilience. Throughout 2024, the IWC planned the conference with a programme committee which included actors from the Australian Government, Non-Government Organisations, Universities, and CROP agencies. The conference was successfully delivered in 2025 concurrently in both Fiji and Thailand.

2025 WASH Conference event information

Professor David Hamilton, Director of Griffith’s Australian Rivers Institute convened the World Lake’s Conference, with Griffith University acting as the host organisation. The 20th World Lake Conference (WLC20) was held from 21st to 25th July 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. The theme of the conference was Lakes as Sentinels for Integrated River Basin Management. This theme reflects how lakes are indicators of the health of their river basins and the urgent need for integrated management strategies to increase the resilience, and promote the conservation, of river basins.

2025 World Lake Conference event information

Advancing collaborative solutions for sustainable water and aquatic ecosystem management

Griffith University's International WaterCentre (IWC) hosts the annual Mark Pascoe Water Sandpit, a collaborative event that brings together professionals from across government, industry, research and community sectors to explore complex water challenges and support more sustainable management of freshwater resources and aquatic ecosystems. Established in honour of IWC's founding CEO, Mark Pascoe, the event continues his vision of creating opportunities for shared learning, collective problem-solving and cross-sector collaboration in water management.

The Water Sandpit provides a unique forum where participants from diverse disciplines come together to examine pressing water issues, share experiences and identify innovative approaches to protecting and managing water resources. By encouraging systems thinking and collaboration across sectors, the event promotes a broader understanding of the interconnected social, environmental and economic factors that influence the health of rivers, lakes, catchments and aquatic ecosystems.

Each year, the event focuses on a contemporary challenge facing the water sector and provides opportunities for participants to engage in interactive workshops, facilitated group discussions and collaborative activities. These sessions encourage participants to explore water management issues from multiple perspectives, exchange knowledge and experiences, and develop practical ideas that can contribute to improved stewardship of freshwater systems and aquatic environments.

The Water Sandpit also plays an important role in strengthening networks within the water community. By connecting practitioners, researchers, policymakers and industry representatives, the event supports ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange that can inform the conservation and sustainable management of rivers, lakes, catchments and other aquatic environments. Through these partnerships, participants are better equipped to address emerging challenges affecting water resources and ecosystem health.

Now in its third year, the Mark Pascoe Water Sandpit has become a recognised platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation within the water sector. By creating space for interdisciplinary discussion and collective action, Griffith University is helping build the relationships, knowledge and capacity needed to support conservation and the sustainable utilisation of water resources and aquatic ecosystems.

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Connecting communities and professionals to support healthy waterways and resilient freshwater ecosystems

Griffith University's International WaterCentre coordinates the Flood Community of Practice (Flood CoP), a collaborative network that brings together practitioners, researchers, government agencies, industry representatives and community organisations to explore innovative approaches to flood resilience, catchment management and waterway stewardship. Through a regular program of events, workshops, field visits and knowledge exchange activities, Flood CoP supports the conservation and sustainable management of rivers, wetlands and freshwater ecosystems.

Throughout 2025, Flood CoP delivered a series of public events focused on promoting healthy waterways and resilient aquatic ecosystems. Activities included field-based learning opportunities examining waterway restoration projects within the Bremer and Warrill catchments, where participants explored practical approaches to river rehabilitation, catchment management and ecosystem recovery. These events provided opportunities for knowledge sharing between researchers, environmental practitioners, local governments and community groups working to improve freshwater ecosystem health. Based on the event titles you supplied, these activities were publicly promoted and focused on waterway restoration and catchment stewardship.

Flood CoP also facilitated discussions on the restoration and management of wetlands through events such as Unearthing the Archerfield Wetlands Parkland, which highlighted the ecological value of wetland systems and the role of collaborative partnerships in protecting and enhancing aquatic habitats. Such events help build awareness of the importance of wetlands in supporting biodiversity, improving water quality and strengthening resilience to flood and climate pressures.

The network contributes to broader freshwater conservation outcomes through participation in events such as the International River Symposium, which brings together river scientists, water professionals, policymakers and environmental practitioners to exchange knowledge on river health, waterway management and ecosystem conservation. By connecting local practitioners with national and international expertise, Flood CoP helps strengthen capacity for sustainable river management and environmental stewardship.

Flood CoP further supports knowledge exchange through initiatives such as the Fiji Flood Resilience Knowledge Exchange, fostering collaboration between Australian and Pacific practitioners on catchment management, freshwater resilience and floodplain stewardship. These activities encourage the exchange of practical approaches that support both water security and the protection of freshwater ecosystems.

Through its ongoing program of events and professional engagement activities, Flood CoP creates opportunities for learning, collaboration and action on issues affecting rivers, wetlands, floodplains and catchments. By bringing together diverse stakeholders around shared water challenges, Griffith University is helping build the knowledge, networks and partnerships required to support the long-term conservation and sustainable use of freshwater environments.

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Connecting communities with coastal conservation through art, science and storytelling

Griffith University is a key partner of the annual SWELL Sculpture Festival on the Gold Coast, a major public event that brings together art, science and community engagement to promote environmental stewardship and the sustainable management of coastal and marine environments. Through partnerships led by Griffith's Climate Action Beacon, the festival provides opportunities for the public to explore the challenges facing oceans, coastlines and marine ecosystems while encouraging dialogue and action on climate resilience and conservation.

In 2025, Griffith University partnered with Gecko Environment Council and the SWELL Sculpture Festival to deliver Altered Tides: Walking Our Living Shoreline, a community engagement event designed to connect participants with the ecological, cultural and environmental significance of the Gold Coast's coastal landscapes. The event invited community members to explore local shorelines through guided discussion, shared learning and place-based storytelling, creating opportunities to better understand the impacts of environmental change on coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend upon them.

The event brought together researchers, environmental practitioners, artists and community members to examine how climate change, coastal processes and human activity are shaping local marine and estuarine environments. Through collaborative discussion and immersive experiences, participants explored the importance of healthy coastlines, estuaries and nearshore ecosystems in supporting biodiversity, community wellbeing and environmental resilience.

Altered Tides reflects Griffith University's commitment to using innovative forms of public engagement to promote conservation and stewardship of marine and coastal environments. By combining scientific knowledge, environmental education, community participation and creative expression, the event helps build public awareness of the importance of protecting oceans, waterways and coastal ecosystems for future generations.

As part of the broader SWELL Festival program, Altered Tides contributes to ongoing community conversations about climate adaptation, coastal resilience and sustainable management of marine resources. The partnership demonstrates how universities can work alongside environmental organisations, artists and local communities to create accessible opportunities for learning and action that support the long-term conservation of oceans, coastlines and aquatic ecosystems.

Our alumni

Many of our alumni are actively working on improving water management across South-East Queensland and internationally and continue to partner with Griffith to shape positive outcomes for our aquatic and marine environments.

Water in the community

Sustainable Development Goals

Off-campus water conservation support

Promoting conscious water usage in the wider community

Education programmes on fresh-water ecosystems

Educational programmes and outreach for the sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism

Educational programmes and outreach about overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices

Nutrient Release from Aquaculture Activities

Australian Rivers Institute: Sustainable fisheries and coastal ecosystems

Griffith events promoting conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and marine resources

Our alumni

Contact Griffith Sustainability