Catchments, Coasts and Communities

aerial view of river
Research, environmental science, catchment

Our focus

Innovative land and water management solutions for sustainable communities

Effective land and water management is essential for environmental sustainability, community resilience, and economic prosperity. These systems face growing pressure from climate change, pollution, and land-use impacts, threatening biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem health.

Southern Cross University’s Catchments, Coasts and Communities research cluster delivers practical, outcome-driven solutions to these challenges. Our world-class research is helping to resolve the complex environmental, social, and economic issues within coastal catchments. From carbon storage models and methane cycling in trees to pesticide run-off and fertiliser mitigation strategies, the cluster leads innovative research that supports healthier landscapes, cleaner waterways, and more sustainable communities.

Northern Rivers hinterland
Our projects and research focus on:
  • The role of trees in methane cycling
  • Water quality
  • Blue carbon
  • Biodiversity mapping of NSW estuaries
  • Community education and empowerment on coastal and catchment zone issues

World class facilities and infrastructure

Analytical lab and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer facilities

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Addressing #6 Clean water and sanitation, #11 Sustainable cities and communities, #14 Life below water & #15 Life on land

Collaborative research

We take a collaborative approach to research with government, industry and community

Our Researchers

Professor Damien Maher - researcher taking water samples

Damien Maher

Professor Hydrobiogeochemistry

Carbon cycling, Ecohydrology, Blue carbon, Greenhouse gas dynamics, Biogeochemistry

A man smiling at the camera in an outdoor setting

Scott Johnston

Professor

Environmental geochemistry, Coastal Floodplain hydrology, Acid sulfate soil remediation, Wetland methane, Water quality

Professor Kirsten Benkendorff in the research lab

Kirsten Benkendorff

Professor

Marine natural products, Marine biotechnology, Seafood, Environmental science, Aquatic animal health

Associate Professor Joanne Oakes - researcher in laboratory

Joanne Oakes

Associate Professor

Biogeochemistry, Carbon cycling, Stable isotopes, Coastal ecosystems, Nitrogen cycling