Graduate Research School Available Projects Social and ecological values of urban waterway landscapes in reef/rainforest catchments: Understanding Saltwater Creek in Cairns
Social and ecological values of urban waterway landscapes in reef/rainforest catchments: Understanding Saltwater Creek in Cairns
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Title of Project
Social and ecological values of urban waterway landscapes in reef/rainforest catchments: Understanding Saltwater Creek in Cairns
Advisor/s
A/Prof Lisa Law, Dr Colin MacGregor
College or Research Centre
College of Science & Engineering
Summary of Project
Urban development along the Tropical North Queensland coast occurs in the ecologically fragile zone between World Heritage-listed rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef. Waterways in urban areas are converted into hard infrastructure such as concrete drains and culverts, which quickly convey stormwater but degrade water quality and ecosystem services. Research suggests that retaining and enhancing the city’s natural systems (blue green infrastructure or BGI) is key to the ongoing success of cities and towns and creates healthy, prosperous, and resilient places. This research explores the possibilities of enhancing and restoring the Saltwater Creek catchment in Cairns through mapping its social and ecological values. Flooding in the catchment will worsen with climate change, and a holistic management approach, including mitigation strategies for flooding and saltwater intrusions, will improve the water quality discharged to the Great Barrier Reef, restore natural ecosystems and benefit residents by improving livability.
Key Words
urban catchments; blue-green infrastructure; Saltwater Creek
Would suit an applicant who
A student interested in urban ecology and environmental solutions in cities who has a Masters/ Honours degree (or equivalent) in geography, planning or landscape architecture, with strong research and analytical skills. Outstanding applicants are eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Research Scholarship at JCU.
Updated: 03 Mar 2022