Consultation activities included an online survey, workshops, and face-to-face and online meetings with stakeholders across the entire coastal observation value chain (e.g., research users, federal, state, and local governments, industry operators, and First Nations representatives) to identify common data and information gaps, discover new data streams, identify areas of need, and explore opportunities to enhance or leverage existing programs and products. The consultation process aimed to ensure the development of an initiative tailored to meet the needs of the community and create societal benefit.

Online survey

During June 2023 an online survey was conducted to inform and underpin consultation with state and commonwealth government, industry, and others. There were 221 respondents representing research organizations, private industry, government, and First Nations. Respondents represented all states and territories.

Direct consultation

Direct engagement was conducted with research users, federal, state, and local governments, industry operators, and First Nations representatives, recognizing that the majority of coastal change impacts are realised at the state and council level. The consultation aimed to identify priority topics, regions, and data gaps, as well as opportunities for co-investment or leverage.