What’s happening
James Cook University (JCU) will lead a $7.5 million partnership with North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) to deliver a five-year program advancing marine science across four ports.
The collaboration, led by JCU’s Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), builds on a decade of nationally recognised partnership between the two organisations. It will deliver world-class monitoring, research, education and training.
The renewed agreement will also expand into new areas including marine habitat restoration research, marine animal studies such as dugongs and turtles, and increasing Traditional Owner engagement.
Why it matters
JCU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Professor Jenny Seddon said the partnership continues to demonstrate the real-world impact of JCU’s research.
“Our collaboration with NQBP shows how industry and universities can work together and embed scientific expertise into core port operations to deliver real and lasting benefits to the environment, communities and industry,” Professor Seddon said.
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said the partnership highlights NQBP’s strong environmental stewardship and ongoing collaboration with JCU.
“As the only port authority managing three ports within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, we take our environmental and social responsibilities in these iconic surroundings seriously,” Mr Webb said.
“This partnership represents the gold standard for how industry and research institutions can work together to protect and understand the environment.
“Together, we’ve delivered world-class monitoring, empowered Traditional Owner engagement, and fostered the next generation of marine scientists. This renewed partnership ensures we build on those achievements into the future.”
By the numbers
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The partnership represents a $7.5 million investment in marine science and education over five years.
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It involves four ports in North Queensland, three of which lie within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, highlighting the importance of research-led management.
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Led by JCU’s TropWATER, the initiative includes one of the world’s longest continuous seagrass monitoring programs, a foundation for advancing coastal ecosystem knowledge.
Zoom in
Professor Michael Rasheed, JCU’s co-director of the program, said the partnership supports world-class research and monitoring.
“These programs have led to breakthrough knowledge on how coastal ecosystems function including developing tools for their effective management and approaches to restoration of seagrass meadows that can be applied throughout tropical Queensland and the Indo-Pacific,” Professor Rasheed said.
“The program reaches well beyond the ports themselves with results fed into regional reporting on waterway health and advancing science and management. This is a great example of how research and industry partnerships can benefit society,” he said.
Associate Professor Nathan Waltham, JCU TropWATER, said the partnership is a model for collaboration that delivers practical results.
“We’re proud to be training the next generation of marine scientists and delivering the data and solutions needed for resilient, thriving port environments,” Associate Professor Waltham said.
“It also provides extraordinary opportunities for our students and researchers to work at the forefront of marine science.”
Zoom out
The partnership reinforces JCU’s role as a national leader in tropical marine research, education and environmental management. It demonstrates how academic expertise continues to drive evidence-based solutions for Queensland’s coastal and port environments.
Local impact
With its base in Townsville, JCU’s TropWATER will lead research and training that extend across four North Queensland ports, providing opportunities for students, scientists and Traditional Owners to contribute directly to marine science and conservation outcomes.
