Summit Background

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Australia's Marine and Coastal Environments at a Turning Point.

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Australia's oceans and coastal environments are entering a period of significant environmental, regulatory and economic change.

From the internationally significant Great Barrier Reef to major commercial ports, coastal infrastructure, marine industries and environmentally sensitive waterways, Australia's marine and coastal environments are essential to the nation's biodiversity, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and community wellbeing.

However, these environments face increasingly complex and interconnected pressures.

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Climate change, marine heatwaves, coral bleaching, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, extreme weather, declining water quality, emerging contaminants and growing coastal development are creating substantial challenges for environmental protection, infrastructure planning and long-term sustainability.

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At the same time, Australia's environmental regulatory landscape is evolving.

National environmental reforms, the National Environmental Protection Agency (National EPA), new National Environmental Standards, Australia's Sustainable Ocean Plan and renewed commitments to Great Barrier Reef water quality are influencing the way environmental risks are assessed, marine developments are approved and environmental outcomes are measured.

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These changes have significant implications for governments, environmental regulators, marine industries, port authorities, infrastructure operators, environmental consultants, scientists and coastal communities.

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The Growing Economic Cost of Environmental Change

The financial consequences of climate-related coastal hazards are becoming increasingly significant.

Research released by the University of Melbourne in September 2026 estimated that rising sea levels and storm surges could result in at least $855 billion in economic losses across Australia by 2100, under the study's modelled scenario.

The research highlights the potential exposure of coastal properties, critical infrastructure, ports, transport networks, industrial facilities and communities to long-term coastal inundation and extreme weather.

For government and industry, the challenge extends beyond understanding environmental change. It requires difficult decisions concerning infrastructure investment, coastal development, insurance exposure, environmental liability, asset protection and climate adaptation.

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Marine pollution and environmental contamination present additional risks.

PFAS, microplastics, hazardous substances, industrial discharges, shipping incidents and oil spills continue to raise important questions concerning environmental monitoring, ecological exposure, emergency preparedness, regulatory accountability and environmental recovery.

International developments, including the forthcoming entry into force of the Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Convention in November 2027 for contracting states, further highlight the importance of understanding evolving maritime environmental liability and compensation frameworks.

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These challenges demonstrate the increasing need for integrated environmental management that brings together scientific evidence, regulatory oversight, operational preparedness, economic assessment and practical solutions.

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From Environmental Research to Practical Action

Advances in environmental monitoring and marine science are creating new opportunities to understand and respond to environmental change.

Artificial intelligence, remote sensing, environmental DNA, autonomous marine technologies and advanced modelling are strengthening the ability to monitor ecosystem conditions, assess environmental impacts and support evidence-based decision-making.

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Yet the value of these developments ultimately depends on how effectively scientific findings are translated into environmental policy, regulatory decisions, industry practice and measurable environmental improvements.

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The critical question is no longer simply what environmental challenges Australia faces, but how government, industry, science and environmental professionals can work together to address them.

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About the Summit

The 2027 National Oceans & Environment Summit, presented by Oceans & Environment, a National Division of Jazcorp Australia, will bring together leading professionals from government, environmental regulation, marine science, research, industry, infrastructure, engineering and environmental management.

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Hosted in Townsville, Queensland, on 18–19 May 2027, the Summit will provide a national interdisciplinary platform for examining the environmental challenges, policy developments, scientific advances and economic risks shaping Australia's marine and coastal future.

Located alongside the Great Barrier Reef and home to significant marine research, port operations and coastal infrastructure, Townsville provides an important setting for discussions concerning the relationship between environmental protection, responsible development and long-term coastal resilience.

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Across 2 days, the Summit will examine how Australia's changing environmental policies, emerging scientific evidence, infrastructure investment priorities and operational responsibilities can be brought together to strengthen environmental outcomes.

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The program will combine scientific research, government policy, technical expertise, practical case studies and industry perspectives, with an emphasis on environmental accountability, measurable outcomes and solutions that can be implemented in practice.

 

The Summit is designed to connect environmental science with policy, regulation, industry responsibility and investment decisions — moving beyond discussion towards practical environmental outcomes.

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Summit Themes & Key Areas of Discussion

Day 1 — Tuesday, 18 May 2027

Marine Environmental Policy, Ocean Protection, Water Quality & Scientific Innovation

Day 1 will focus on the environmental and regulatory changes affecting Australia's oceans, marine ecosystems and coastal environments.

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Key areas of discussion include:

• Australia's environmental reforms, National EPA, National Environmental Standards and marine approval processes.

• Australia's Sustainable Ocean Plan, marine protection priorities and environmental governance.

• Great Barrier Reef health, coral recovery, climate resilience and future management priorities.

• Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy, investment priorities and measurable environmental outcomes.

• PFAS, microplastics, emerging contaminants and marine ecological risk.

• Ports, dredging, sediment disturbance, coastal development and marine habitat protection.

• Artificial intelligence, remote sensing, eDNA and autonomous environmental monitoring.

• Coastal erosion, extreme weather, sea-level rise and environmental planning.

• Strengthening scientific evidence, environmental accountability and sustainable marine management.

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Day 2 — Wednesday, 19 May 2027

9.00am–2.00pm

Coastal Economic Risk, Infrastructure Resilience, Marine Pollution & Environmental Liability

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Day 2 will examine the financial, operational, environmental and infrastructure consequences of Australia's changing coastal and maritime risk landscape.

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Key areas of discussion include:

• Australia's projected $855 billion coastal economic exposure from sea-level rise and storm surges by 2100.

• Coastal infrastructure vulnerability, critical asset protection and climate adaptation investment.

• Marine pollution incidents, oil spills, hazardous cargo and environmental emergency response.

• The international HNS Convention, maritime environmental liability and pollution compensation.

• Coastal property exposure, insurance risk, financial responsibility and adaptation funding.

• Nature-based coastal protection, shoreline management and managed retreat.

• Practical approaches to protecting coastal infrastructure, marine ecosystems and vulnerable communities.

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Who should attend?

The Summit is designed for professionals, decision-makers, technical specialists, researchers and organisations involved in protecting, managing, regulating, developing and investing in Australia's marine and coastal environments.

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The program will be particularly relevant to:

• Government & Environmental Regulators: Federal, state and local government agencies responsible for environmental policy, approvals, compliance, coastal planning, marine protection and climate adaptation.

• Marine Scientists & Research Institutions: Marine biologists, oceanographers, ecologists, environmental scientists, climate researchers, universities and scientific research organisations.

• Ports, Shipping & Maritime Industries: Port authorities, shipping operators, dredging contractors, marine infrastructure managers and maritime environmental professionals.

• Environmental Consultants & Technical Specialists: Environmental impact assessment practitioners, contaminated water specialists, environmental auditors, ecological consultants and monitoring professionals.

• Coastal Engineers & Infrastructure Professionals: Engineers, asset managers, infrastructure planners, developers and specialists responsible for coastal protection and infrastructure resilience.

• Water Quality & Catchment Management Professionals: Water scientists, catchment authorities, natural resource management organisations and professionals involved in water quality, pollution prevention and ecosystem protection.

• Insurance, Finance & Risk Professionals: Insurers, environmental economists, infrastructure investors, risk advisers and professionals assessing climate exposure and financial liabilities.

• Traditional Owners & Sea Country Management Organisations: Indigenous ranger programs, Traditional Owner organisations and professionals involved in marine conservation and environmental stewardship.

• Emergency Management & Pollution Response Specialists: Maritime safety authorities, hazardous substances professionals, environmental incident managers and marine pollution response organisations.

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Why attend?

The 2027 National Oceans & Environment Summit provides an opportunity to gain insight into the environmental, regulatory, scientific and economic developments influencing Australia's marine and coastal future.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Understand emerging environmental reforms: Explore the implications of national policy changes, environmental standards and regulatory responsibilities.

• Access current scientific and technical knowledge: Hear research and professional perspectives on marine ecosystems, emerging contaminants, environmental monitoring and coastal risk.

• Examine the economic consequences of environmental change: Understand how rising seas, coastal hazards and infrastructure exposure influence investment, insurance and government planning.

• Explore practical environmental solutions: Consider technologies, engineering approaches, environmental management strategies and adaptation measures.

• Strengthen professional connections: Engage with representatives from government, science, industry, environmental consulting, infrastructure and coastal management.

• Contribute to informed environmental decision-making: Participate in discussions connecting scientific evidence, environmental accountability and practical implementation.

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The Summit is particularly valuable for organisations seeking to understand how environmental change and evolving regulatory expectations may influence their operations, responsibilities, investment decisions and long-term planning.

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Call for Abstracts — Now Open

Oceans & Environment invites abstract submissions for the 2027 National Oceans & Environment Summit, taking place in Townsville, Queensland, on 18–19 May 2027. Abstracts close 26th Feb 2027. 

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Researchers, government representatives, environmental regulators, industry specialists, consultants, technical professionals and organisations working across the marine, coastal and environmental sectors are encouraged to contribute.

Submissions are welcomed across the Summit's key themes, including environmental policy and regulation, marine ecosystem protection, water quality, emerging contaminants, coastal resilience, marine pollution, environmental liability, infrastructure adaptation and emerging environmental technologies.

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We particularly welcome abstracts that present:

• New scientific research, findings and environmental evidence.

• Regulatory developments, policy implementation and environmental management challenges.

• Practical industry experience, operational case studies and lessons learned.

• Innovative technologies, monitoring methodologies and technical solutions.

• Environmental risk assessment, coastal adaptation and infrastructure resilience strategies.

• Collaborative approaches that demonstrate measurable environmental outcomes.

• Abstracts should demonstrate clear relevance to the Summit themes and provide meaningful scientific, regulatory, technical or practical insights for attendees.

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Submissions will be reviewed for relevance, quality, program alignment and available presentation opportunities.

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Be Part of the National Conversation

Australia's marine and coastal environments face challenges that cannot be addressed by any single sector or discipline.

Effective environmental protection and long-term resilience require credible science, informed regulation, responsible industry practice, strategic investment and meaningful collaboration.

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The 2027 National Oceans & Environment Summit will bring these perspectives together — connecting knowledge, policy and practical expertise to address the environmental risks and opportunities shaping Australia's future.

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Join us in Townsville, 18–19 May 2027.

Abstract Submissions Now Open | Attend 1 or both days