>[!abstract] Coastal R&D Lead > This page provides an overview of this role and examples of the related drivers, activities and opportunities. This is relevant to anyone who creates, manages or uses coastal data, research and R&D infrastructure in Western Australia. > [!question] Watch or listen instead > The same information on this page is available as a video or slide presentation > - Watch the short (8 min) video https://bit.ly/coastal_RD > - View the slide deck [via Canva](https://www.canva.com/design/DAG3HTHu_Ic/_bB1Z8zJy7tFe46iKIrIDA/view?utm_content=DAG3HTHu_Ic&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hda93dffe15) ## Survey and EOIs open! > [!abstract] Does WA need more coastal research? > *This survey is for scientists, industry, community, government, First Nations and innovators – anyone who uses coastal data, ocean observations, marine research or ocean-tech testing facilities.* > > https://bit.ly/coast_rd_form > > *If you complete the survey by 7 December 2025 your data will be included in the analysis for a report shared back with you in early December 2025.* ![[2025-11-17_WA Coastal R&D survey_website.png]] > [!abstract] Do you have ideas for specific coastal research infrastructure capabilities? > *After completing the survey you can also submit EOIs for specific infrastructure or capabilities you'd like to see in Western Australia.* > > https://bit.ly/coast_rd_eois > > *All EOI submissions are reviewed to identify ways to progress them. All EOI information remains confidential.* ## Role purpose, drivers, scope and funding This Coastal R&D Lead Role exists to increase investment into, and impact of, coastal and marine R&D infrastructure in Western Australia. The objectives include creating a step-change in coordinated deployment, operation and use of coastal research infrastructure, and growing networks of stakeholders collaborating on projects. If the role succeeds, WA will have better decision-making, risk mitigation, management and use of both natural ecosystems and social and economic assets in our coastal zone. >[!warning] Drivers >The drivers of this need include the fact of 90% of Western Australians living within 10km of a coastline where infrastructure, communities and natural ecosystems are facing unprecedented rates and scales of change. And in WA coastal economic activities account for 25% of our State's economy and 50% of the nation's 'blue' economy. > >Our ability to conserve, mitigate, manage, enhance, regenerate, innovate and adapt within the coastal zone are enhanced by having better data, more research and observation capability, enhanced translation of the research for end-users, facilities to test solutions, and more having engaged and informed coastal users and communities. That means we want more physical and digital infrastructure, and enhanced capability and resources to observe, model, design, test and communicate. Examples of the infrastructure and activities include, and aren't limited to: - moored water quality sensors, - aerial and underwater drone fleets, - eDNA sample processing technology, - data storage, processing and integration capacity, - Indigenous Rangers scientific monitoring capability and - testing facilities for coastal and ocean technology solutions, like wave energy. This role is co-funded by the [University of Western Australia](https://www.uwa.edu.au/oceans-institute) and the WA State Government (through [Department of Energy and Economic Diversification](https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-energy-and-economic-diversification)). ### Activities and services > [!todo] Activities include: > - Mapping and showcasing the current R&D infrastructure to enable its best use, > - Identifying priority needs or opportunities and raising those with potential partners and funders to address them, > - Brokering relationships and facilitating business cases and funding applications for new, high-priority, high-impact infrastructure and capability, > - Communicating the benefit (past) and value (future) of this R&D infrastructure to potential co-investors. >[!question] Ways this role can help you: | YOUR ROLE | YOUR INTERESTS | THIS SERVICE | | ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Researchers | New or expanded datasets, engagement with managers or industry, improved tools for analysis or translation, channels for communication | Maps and databases of existing infrastructure, support for stakeholder engagement and business case development | | Coastal Managers | Improved data and analysis for use in decision-making, co-investors in deploying or operating local observation infrastructure | Connections to researchers and data sources, support for partnering on new infrastructure | | Industry | Improved data for short and long-term business decisions, co-investors in deploying sensors | Connections to researchers and data sources, support for partnering on new infrastructure | | Innovator | Access to data, partners or facilities to define challenges or test and model solutions | Connections to researchers, data sources and test facilities, support for partnering on new infrastructure | ## Examples of coastal R&D infrastructure and funding > [!example] Examples of current research infrastructure > Examples of current infrastructure and capability that is within the scope of this role to prioritise and broker deals in > - [Auswaves](https://auswaves.org/) - near real-time data [Coastal Wave Buoys](https://imos.org.au/facility/coastal-wave-buoys#factility-hero) > - [Aboriginal Ranger Programs](https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/management/aboriginal-engagement/aboriginal-ranger-program) - where scientific monitoring is conducted > - [OzSET](https://www.tern.org.au/ozset) - Surface Elevation Tables for monitoring changes in tidal wetlands > - [Coastal and Offshore Research Lab](https://www.uwa.edu.au/facilities/corl) - testing offshore and coastal engineering > - [Ocean Gliders](https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/article/2025/may/mission-possible-gliders-play-key-role-in-ocean-observations) - for temperature, salinity, current, and biogeochemical data > - [Oceanworks](https://www.uwa.edu.au/facilities/oceanworks---subpages/oceanworks) - funds capability for offshore engineering problems > - [Coastal and Offshore Research Laboratory](https://www.uwa.edu.au/facilities/corl) - facilities for R&D and testing > [!example] Examples of potential funding sources > Examples of funding sources that can match community, industry, state and academic sources to help the business case for projects 'stack up' include, but aren't limited to... > - [National Research Infrastructure (NRI)](https://www.education.gov.au/national-research-infrastructure) - funding through [NCRIS](https://www.education.gov.au/ncris), [NCRIS-IMOS](https://imos.org.au/) and the proposed [CoastRI](https://www.coastri.org.au/) initiative - $770M total per year through to 2028 > - [Disaster Ready Fund (DRF)](https://www.nema.gov.au/our-work/key-programs/disaster-ready-fund) - funding through [NEMA](https://www.nema.gov.au/) and with round 4 opening in early 2026 - $200M total per year through to 2027 > - [National Environmental Science Program (NESP)](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/environment-information-australia/nesp) - funding through the [Marine and Coastal Hub](https://www.nespmarinecoastal.edu.au/) ~ [$47M through to 2027](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/environment-information-australia/nesp/hub-marine-coastal) for [coastal projects](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/environment-information-australia/nesp/current-projects/marine-coastal) including 10% per year for emerging priorities > - [Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)](https://www.frdc.com.au/) - invests [~ $40M per year](https://www.frdc.com.au/news/frdc-invested-over-40m-411-projects-deliver-innovation-and-impact) in alignment with it's [2025-30 RD&E plan](https://www.frdc.com.au/strategic-planning-and-priorities/rd-plan-2025-2030) to ensure healthy aquatic environments for thriving fishing and aquaculture. ## Contact and FAQs > [!info] Contact > - Contact [Andrew Outhwaite at UWA](https://businesscards.io/c/24c926d3-b033-4605-aa7a-09fd4f10d7f4) > - Use this [LINK to book a (virtual) meeting](https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/[email protected]?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=plink ) ### Frequently Asked Questions FAQs and answers will be added here as they are asked and addressed.