Coastal R&D Infrastructure Initiative
The Coastal R&D Infrastructure Initiative was established to increase the investment into, and the 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.
When implemented, WA will have better decision-making, risk mitigation, management and use of both natural ecosystems and social and economic assets in our coastal zone.
For coastal stakeholders you are invited to ‘express interest’ and access free, confidential, expert support for your coastal R&D project.
90% of Western Australians live within 10km of a coastline where infrastructure, communities and natural ecosystems are facing unprecedented rates and scales of change.
COASTAL R&D
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, and facilities to test solutions while having engaged and informed coastal users and communities.
The goals of this initiative include more physical and digital infrastructure, and enhanced capability and resources to observe coastal changes, identify opportunities to improve outcomes, and to model and test solutions to coastal challenges.
Examples of the types of infrastructure and activities this initiative address include:
• 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.
The activities and services this initiative can provide to stakeholders 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,
• Facilitating collaborations, business case development and funding applications for high-priority, high-impact infrastructure and capability,
• Communicating the benefit (past) and value (future) of this R&D infrastructure to potential co-investors.
How this service can help
| 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 |
| Innovators | 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
Examples of current infrastructure and capability that align with what this initiative can support
• Auswaves - near real-time data Coastal Wave Buoys
• Aboriginal Ranger Programs- where scientific monitoring is conducted
• OzSET - Surface Elevation Tables for monitoring changes in tidal wetlands
• Coastal and Offshore Research Lab - facilities for R&D, testing offshore, and coastal engineering
• Ocean Gliders - for temperature, salinity, current, and biogeochemical data
• Oceanworks - funding capability in offshore engineering problem-solving
Examples of potential funding sources
Examples of funding sources that this initiative may be able to help community, industry, state and academia access:
• National Research Infrastructure (NRI) - funding through NCRIS, NCRIS-IMOS and the proposed CoastRI initiative - $770M total per year through to 2028
• Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) - funding through NEMA and with round 4 opening in early 2026 - $200M total per year through to 2027
• National Environmental Science Program (NESP) - funding through the Marine and Coastal Hub ~ $47M through to 2027 for coastal projects including 10% per year for emerging priorities
• Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) - invests ~ $40M per year in alignment with it's 2025-30 RD&E plan to ensure healthy aquatic environments for thriving fishing and aquaculture.
Submit an EOI in accessing this initiative’s support for coastal R&D infrastructure or capabilities you'd like to see in Western Australia.
All EOI submissions are reviewed to identify ways to progress them and all information you submit remains private and confidential.
Andrew Outhwaite
Coastal R&D Infrastructure Initiative Lead
Andrew Outhwaite works with researchers, innovators, investors, communities and governments to orchestrate better social, ecological and economic outcomes. Called to contribute to global sustainable development goals through innovation, collaboration and on-ground action, Andrew has instigated and grown: social enterprises, innovation hubs, industry associations and collective-impact alliances. He has qualifications in marine science, sustainability, facilitation and leadership development and experience working across Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.
Contact:
Funding provided by
