Sustainable Development Goals

As we unveil the Southern Cross University Sustainability Report for 2023, we reflect on a year marked by significant strides towards our vision of becoming a leader in sustainable practices and a catalyst for global change. Our commitment to sustainability is not just an institutional priority; it is a shared responsibility that unites our students, staff, partners, and community in the pursuit of a more equitable and resilient future.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are inimitably woven into the full complement of our teaching, research and operations. In 2023, we launched our Lismore Master Plan. The Plan is guided by best practices in sustainable design and will see the Lismore campus transform into a fully equipped learning precinct, educating local and international students alike, and connecting local industry with world-class research.

The University continues to support the Northern Rivers communities in their post-flood recovery, whether providing agile and rigorous testing grounds for climate-resilient solutions to unique regional challenges through the Living Lab, hosting a Sustainability Design Challenge to transform student ideas into scalable solutions to complex business problems, or trialling a world-first MDMA-assisted therapy for flood survivors with PTSD.

As we continue this journey, we invite you to join us in transforming tomorrow. Together, we can build on our achievements and drive meaningful change that will shape a sustainable legacy for future generations.

1. No poverty

The University hosted an exhibition in 2023 named “Bring It On Home” to address housing challenges in the Northern Rivers region following the 2022 floods. The exhibition showcases case studies and designs focusing on infill housing as a potential solution to expand permanent housing stock in the area. Examples of creative uses of vacant land and existing dwellings include social housing garden villas, dual living developments and raised housing on flood-designated land.

The University is also contributing to the development of legal frameworks to help inform medicines research with best practices that align with Indigenous peoples’ worldviews. These efforts aim to improve intellectual property handling to encourage the sharing and preservation of Australia’s bio-unique Indigenous knowledge locally and globally. The frameworks are intended to provide protections that minimise opportunity for commercial exploitation and ensure profits and benefits are shared with the communities that made the knowledge available.

Dr Gregory Peel Smith was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the community through social welfare organisations. He is currently a director for the End Street Sleeping Collaboration. He is also an ambassador for three homeless support service organisations: Fred’s Place (Tweed Heads), Pete’s Place (Coffs Harbour) and Signal Flare (South Brisbane).

2. Zero hunger

Southern Cross research has identified ways in which supply chains can be made more resilient in the context of natural disasters. It found that shorter supply chains and stronger community networks are critical to enhancing food security. Recommendations include creating a regional food plan and food policy council, and supporting local food initiatives to build a more resilient food system for future challenges.

The University delivers low-cost soil testing for farmers and land managers as part of a $54.4m government program. Eligible land managers can receive up to $10k in benefits and assistance from soil extension officers to interpret their results. This program supports farmers in meeting Emissions Reduction Fund requirements. Regular soil testing allows for the monitoring of changes in soil carbon levels over time, which is crucial for demonstrating carbon sequestration.

The Australian Research Council has awarded the University $530k over three years to improve the nutritional quality of hempseed. By linking genotypes (genetic makeup) to phenotypes (visual and/or chemical traits), best practices in targeted breeding and management can be developed for the benefit of farmers, the hemp industry and health-conscious consumers. Hemp is versatile in that it can be used as a protein crop or an oil crop, for both food and medicinal purposes.

3. Good health and well-being

The University is conducting a ground-breaking clinical trial investigating Olive Leaf Extract as a treatment option for people living with type-2 diabetes. The study aims to provide a safer, low-cost alternative for individuals who struggle to maintain good blood glucose control. In doing so, the clinical trial hopes to enable people living with diabetes and health care providers to make informed decisions about using this treatment to complement their diabetes care.

Southern Cross will trial a world-first stepped care treatment using group-based arts programs and MDMA-assisted therapy to help Northern Rivers flood survivors suffering PTSD. The University has received $3.8m to run a four-year clinical trial aiming to assist over 200 locals affected by the devastating 2022 floods. The trial will evaluate a five-session program focused on self-compassion, followed by MDMA-assisted therapy for those still experiencing PTSD. This innovative approach seeks to provide new treatment options for disaster-related PTSD and contributes to the broader understanding of trauma recovery.

Emeritus Professor Colleen Cartwright was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to aged care planning, policy and research. Professor Cartwright’s research focuses principally on end-of-life decision making. She designed the Queensland Advance Care Planning documents that became part of the state’s Powers of Attorney Act, and made internationally recognised contributions in numerous related areas.

4. Quality education

The Lismore Campus Master Plan will transform the campus into a thriving education, research and community precinct. The multi-organisational precinct is designed to advance education, enrich community well-being, and stimulate regional growth, setting a new standard for sustainable development and inclusive, culturally rich public spaces. The campus will enhance learning experiences, create new educational pathways, and offer programs that boost employability and research capabilities.

A not-for-profit initiative, under the auspices of the MacKillop Family Services, has implemented the Seasons for Growth and Stormbirds programs across five countries. Both are small-group evidence-based education programs that have been adapted for use in communities following natural disasters. They are also delivered for refugee children, for post-suicide intervention work in schools, and in juvenile justice and prison settings. The programs aim to equip children with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand and respond well to experiences of change, loss and grief.

Through the Sustainability, Environment and the Arts in Education (SEAE) Research Centre, University staff actively engage with schools, community, early childhood education and care settings, across a range of sustainability and environmental education programs. These programs are research-led and examples include Climate Change and Me, Nature Play, Learning with Land, YouthforSea and YouthforLandcare.

5. Gender equality

In the Solomon Islands, a beekeeping program is empowering women and young people to diversify their incomes through honey production while diverting away from harmful farming practices like logging. The initiative, run by Mai-Ma’asina Green Belt and led by SCU’s Dr Cooper Schouten, equips communities with the knowledge and skills required to become successful beekeepers. Bees significantly increase crop yield and do not require a large time investment or secure land tenure. Honey doesn’t perish and can be sold in times of financial hardship. This work supports sustainable livelihoods for these communities.

The University is an ardent supporter of gender equality across its teaching, research and operations, receiving an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in 2020 and building on that milestone in successive years. Kirsten Benkendorff—a seafood sentinel marine scientist from Southern Cross University—has been selected as a 2023/2024 Superstar of STEM, where she acts as a role model and promotes the role of women in science through outreach activities with schools and the boarder community.

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research bee project has also worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to design and implement training on Fiji’s new Gender in Agriculture Policy. The workshop facilitated 28 managers and extension staff from around Fiji to come together in Suva to better understand, plan for and implement the policy in their work and activities.

6. Clean water and sanitation

New research led by Southern Cross has found that 21 different pesticides are present in the Richmond River estuary, including a mix of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. The study found that oysters accumulated more pesticides than the surrounding water, with an average of nine pesticides per oyster sample. Concentrations of several pesticides exceeded safe environmental guidelines, including banned substances like atrazine, diuron and benomyl. The research emphasises the need for better management of water pollution from agricultural and urban runoff in the region.

Southern Cross researchers have also conducted a comprehensive study of the Hawkesbury River system to support Sydney’s urban growth. Led by Professor Damien Maher, the team collected thousands of samples to analyse nutrients, greenhouse gases and groundwater across an 80km stretch of the river.

This project, in collaboration with Sydney Water, aims to understand the river’s natural capacity to process nutrients and maintain water quality as Western Sydney’s population is projected to increase by over a million people in the next decade. The research will inform future infrastructure requirements and river management strategies, ensuring the Hawkesbury can cope with increased treated effluent and stormwater runoff from urban expansion.

7. Affordable and clean energy

The University is implementing a Southern Cross Learning Precinct (Gnibi Wandarahn) Master Plan to support affordable and clean energy for its campuses. Solar photovoltaic installation is rolling out across the Lismore campus and the National Marine Science Centre, with the first phase in Lismore adding 280kW of supply. A further 21 vehicles in the University’s fleet are being converted to hybrid and electric, supported by EV chargers at each of the three main campuses. The University has also received a $100k government grant to upgrade the Building Management System at Lismore which allows for better control over lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning to reduce energy consumption. The equivalent system has already been upgraded at Coffs Harbour.

The Recirculator project is partnering with Plastics Pirate to divert plastics from landfill to make biofuel. The first demonstration project evaluates the unique properties of thermal recycling technologies (such as pyrolysis and gasification) to convert low-value waste materials into high-value, high-quality fuels, polymers, energy sources and other products.

This project supports related commercialisation activities in Australia. It demonstrates valorisation strategies, with the aim of creating a circular economy for end-of-life plastics in the Northern Rivers region and beyond.

8. Decent work and economic growth

The University and AgriFutures Australia have developed a world-first Coffee Character Sensory Wheel to describe Australian-grown coffee's unique characteristics. The wheel provides a standardized language for coffee professionals to describe acidity, mouthfeel, and aftertaste, revealing that Australian coffee has low-medium intensity acidity with citric and malic acid notes, a smooth texture, and fruity and nutty flavours. The research analyzed over 100 Australian and 50 international coffee beans, aiming to boost the local coffee industry's profile and potentially increase its value to $10 million annually by highlighting the distinct "terroir" of Australian-grown coffee.

In 2020, the University was awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), which recognises our commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion. The University is a proud ongoing participant in this accreditation program and has committed to the 10 principles of the Athena SWAN Charter.

As part of its reporting obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2018, the University prepared a statement on the risks of modern slavery in its operation and supply chains, and actions taken to mitigate, lessen and remove risks where possible.

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

The University has partnered with the Gold Coast Innovation Hub, now located at the Gold Coast campus, to accelerate the growth of resources and support for students, start-ups and small business in the region. The co-location will facilitate workshops and events, including a planned Start-Up Weekend, and provide students with valuable networking and mentoring opportunities. The collaboration has strong potential to drive economic growth and enrich educational experiences for students.

The University’s Live Ideas program enables industry, community, researchers and educators to build entrepreneurial skills that can transform ideas to impact. Workshops, digital resources and professional development opportunities are provided to start-ups and established businesses. The Impact Forum attracted over 100 local businesses and community people, while the Innovate Series was also widely attended.

The In Good Company project was developed to keep business in the Northern Rivers region and attract new business to the region. In partnership with this project, the University has in the past been able to offer TechVouchers for R&D initiatives that have supported local businesses via funding from Investment NSW.

10. Reduced inequalities

The University is conducting a study to assess the impact of the 2022 floods on marginalised groups in the Northern Rivers region. The research aims to understand how these communities were affected by the disaster and to identify their specific needs for recovery and support. The study will involve collaboration with local organisations and community members to ensure that the voices of those most impacted are heard and considered in future disaster planning and responses.

In 2023, the University awarded equity and diversity scholarships to a number of students across multiple schemes including: SCU Equity Scholarship, Indigenous Student Success Program, Peter Gordon Jurd Memorial Scholarship, Northern Rivers Community Foundation, SCU Bowen Education Fund Scholarship, Mayor of Lismore Scholarship, Gilchrist Foundation Goori Stars Scholarship and Lord’s Taverners Indigenous Knowledge Honours Scholarship and Seawind Catamaran Indigenous Scholarship.

Additionally, 22% of our students commencing a degree in 2023 are first-generation students, meaning that they are the first in their families to attend a university. We provide pathways to study for students from underrepresented groups through SCU College. We also offer a free course, Preparing for Success, which teaches core skills in time management, essay writing, applying mathematical concepts and researching.

11. Sustainable cities and communities

Southern Cross has unveiled a new $140m master plan for its Lismore campus, aiming to transform the campus into a sustainable, innovative learning precinct. The ambitious redevelopment will create state-of-the-art research and teaching spaces, focusing on community connectivity and targeting carbon net zero by 2035. The master plan encompasses enhanced educational facilities, community spaces, and strategic upgrades that will support growth in key research areas like Agribusiness, Health, and Education while deepening connections with the Lismore and Northern Rivers community.

The University is addressing the housing crisis by exploring the use of plastic waste in construction, specifically through the development of concrete aggregates that incorporate plastic. This innovative approach not only keeps plastic out of landfills but also creates lighter concrete with better thermal insulation properties. By partnering with industry leaders like CRDC Global, the University will potentially enable more affordable and sustainable housing options while promoting a circular economy.

The High School Innovation Challenge was designed to inspire young people to apply entrepreneurial skills to sustainability issues. The program was executed over 3 months with 143 students participating. Winning ideas included biodegradable fertiliser packaging, voucher systems to repurpose farming material, new types of return-and-earn machines and refillable beauty bottles.

12. Responsible consumption and production

The University has launched a $2.5m Australian Industrial Hemp Program of Research, funded by AgriFutures Australia, to boost the country's emerging hemp industry. The five-year program focuses on four key areas: hemp seeds and varieties, primary production, products and sustainability. The research aims to develop value-add processing methods, investigate hemp's use in livestock feed, and understand the sustainability of industrial hemp, with the industry expected to reach $10m by 2026. Outside of its agricultural potential, hemp produces high-quality fibres that can be made into fabric for clothing, replace single-use plastics and be used in building materials such as hempcrete. It can be grown Australia-wide.

Southern Cross and CRDC Global have partnered, as part of the University’s ReCirculator program, to transform plastic waste into a construction material named RESIN8. This addresses two critical challenges: reducing landfill waste and enhancing building material properties. This innovative project not only provides real-world problem-solving experience for students but also positions the Northern Rivers region at the forefront of sustainable waste management and circular economy practices.

The University has introduced Green Caffeen reusable coffee cups at all campus locations. Another operational enhancement is the continuation of the new waste bin roll-out and commencement of the collection of organic waste.

13. Climate action

Southern Cross University researchers, along with international scientists, have highlighted the crucial role of rivers in the global carbon cycle. They propose establishing a worldwide River Observing System to better predict global-change impacts on river ecosystems. The study, published in Nature, emphasizes that rivers are not mere pipelines to the ocean but biogeochemical reactors that process organic carbon, emitting greenhouse gases and affecting carbon export to oceans. The research reveals that tropical rivers emit more CO2 than temperate or cold regions, and factors like intermittent flows, flooding events, and dams significantly impact river metabolism and greenhouse gas production. This work underscores the need for integrated global field campaigns to improve our understanding of river ecosystems in the context of climate change.

The University is also leading efforts to understand ocean alkalinity enhancement as a potential solution to climate change, presenting a guide for best practices in this research, presented at COP28. The research explores how increasing ocean alkalinity could raise pH levels, enhancing CO2 absorption from the atmosphere. While there is the need for such interventions due to insufficient emission reductions, further research is required to understand potential impacts on marine ecosystems before implementing large-scale projects. This work is part of Southern Cross University's broader research initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change effects on oceans and coral reefs.

14. Life below water

Researchers at the University have presented groundbreaking research on cloud brightening at the International Conference on Nucleation and Atmospheric Aerosols in Brisbane. The team has been conducting experiments for three years, using cannons to spray seawater over the Great Barrier Reef to create additional cloud condensation nuclei. This process aims to form thicker, more reflective clouds that could potentially cool the reef and protect coral from bleaching. By increasing the number of smaller water droplets in clouds, more sunlight can be reflected into space, potentially offsetting some effects of global warming.

Separate research has discovered that groundwater is a significant, previously unquantified source of nutrients for the Great Barrier Reef. Groundwater discharge was found to deliver 10-15 times more nutrients than rivers, accounting for about one-third of new nitrogen and two-thirds of phosphorous inputs to the reef. Excess nutrients promote algal overgrowth which can smother and kill corals, reduce the light available for coral symbionts and other reef organisms, and make corals more susceptible to bleaching during heat waves.

This discovery challenges current reef management strategies, which principally focus on reducing river-based nutrient inputs. There are multiple amendments to reef protection approaches proposed, including better land management practices to reduce nutrient seepage into groundwater aquifers and exploring ecological and hydrological practices to mitigate excess nutrients at groundwater discharge hotspots.

15. Life on land

Through the Farming Together initiative, the University supports improved soil quality, farm productivity, food quality, biodiversity, training and climate change mitigation. These outcomes are achieved by sharing tools and resources, webinars, guest lecture presentations, videos, podcasts, articles and more with Australian farming communities.

The initiative includes the Regenerative Agriculture Mentoring Program, which places farmers into groups with expert mentors to help them transition from conventional to regenerative farming principles and practices. With the NSW Government Environmental Trust as our key partner, we have seen significant successes with on-farm practice change and knowledge sharing.

The University also offers a world-first range of regenerative agriculture courses, including a Bachelor of Science, Graduate Certificate, and Diploma, designed to address agricultural challenges through holistic, ecosystem-friendly farming practices. The programs draw on expertise in plant science, agronomy, ecology, and environmental chemistry, providing students with practical skills through on-farm sessions and field-based residentials. Courses are created in consultation with Farming Together and other industry leaders, and aim to develop professionals who can create regenerative strategies for farms and landscapes, supporting more resilient agricultural systems that work in harmony with natural processes.

16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

The University presented research on the rise of the sovereign citizens movement and dangerous pseudo-law websites. The investigation revealed for-profit websites offering false legal advice that could lead people to prison by encouraging them to break laws and use non-existent legal loopholes. The conference, titled The Pseudolaw and The Administration of Justice, explored the movement's impact on policing and courts, including its connections to extreme right-wing ideologies and recent violent incidents involving pseudo-law adherents in Australia.

The University provides input to policy- and lawmakers on relevant topics at local, regional, national and international levels. One prominent example is that of the University’s Submission to the Privacy Act Review Report, which recommended that the focus on children and young people’s right to privacy does not negatively impact other child rights and the ability to access critical services, particular when those services are provided online. One way this could be achieved is through legislation that maximises the ability of a child or young person to be involved in decision-making around their personal information.

Within the University’s operations, the Gnibi Elders Council plays an important governance role and meets with the University Council, providing vision, leadership and guidance to the University on Indigenous issues through joint yarning circles. Master planning activities have also undertaken significant engagement with Elders and community groups.

17. Partnerships for the goals

Partnerships are the driver of change, particularly when they are at the nexus of governments, NGOs, industry, higher education and civil society. Universities have a central role to play in improving global outcomes by connecting leading researchers and students with industry, government and local communities.

We support our students in these aims through various initiatives such as the Student Design Challenge, which provides students with real-world experience in tackling sustainability issues faced by local businesses. Participants receive certification and actively develop innovative solutions to these challenges, with a particular focus on circular economy models in addressing waste management. The workshop encourages collaboration and creativity while promoting sustainable practices.

We also partner with many institutions to develop solutions to globally significant challenges. For instance, the Horizon Europe-funded BlueShellfish project aims to address the challenges posed by harmful algal blooms. These blooms threaten environmental and human health, particularly through contaminated seafood, and significantly impact aquaculture and fisheries by causing species contamination and mass mortalities. The project focuses on developing efficient detection methods to provide early warnings and reduce toxin loads in seafood. An interdisciplinary consortium is involved in this initiative, aiming to innovate aquaculture and fisheries technologies and promote sustainable growth.