In a groundbreaking commitment to the health of Queensland’s iconic Moreton Bay, The Goodman Foundation has generously donated $1 million to support a University of Queensland Healthy Moreton Bay Research Chair.
The Chair will play a pivotal role in a continuing initiative to ensure the bay and its surrounds are exemplars of environmental stewardship by 2032, when the eyes of the world are on Brisbane and Australia.
Head of UQ's School of the Environment, Professor Steve Chenoweth, said the gift takes Goodman family support of marine science and marine environments, in partnership with UQ, to a whole new level.
That support has been a mainstay at UQ for the last 15 years through the Centre for Marine Science.
In addition to investment in the Chair, the Foundation will continue to fund enhanced learning opportunities and foster the skills of young marine scientists and researchers, significantly strengthening UQ's abilities to develop the next generation of leaders in this vital field.
“Over 70 per cent of the world surface is ocean – if it’s not healthy, we’re not healthy,” Professor Chenoweth said.
“This latest donation includes an additional $250,000 in invaluable support for Centre for Marine Science initiatives, along with a new and transformative vision for a sustainable Moreton Bay.
“The bay is a complex environment of ocean, mangroves, reefs, wildlife - and then you add in the wildcard of human interface.
“A Research Chair, established in perpetuity to drive environmental solutions is key to success, leading new knowledge and drawing on interdisciplinary expertise across UQ, tying together field data, solutions testing and modelling.
“It’s a collaborative and community-driven approach that will achieve extraordinary results, all in concert with Traditional Custodians, NGOs, business, community organisations and government, locally and nationally.
“Together we aim to create innovative, long-term solutions to protect and sustain our unique and precious marine ecosystems for generations to come.”
Professor Chenoweth said The Goodman Foundation’s generosity will empower researchers to tackle critical challenges facing our oceans and people, here and around the world.
"It’s not about ‘nice to have’, we have reached the point of ‘need to have’,” he said.
“Delivered solutions will have global significance and what we learn and leverage through this research and action must have a lasting impact on coastal ecosystems, marine environments, endangered species, and food sustainability - not just here, but everywhere.
“Thanks to the Goodman’s leadership, we are bringing industry, academia, the community, and NGOs together to create sustainable, positive change.
“We can't address the potentially disastrous environmental impact of human infrastructure development and behaviour without research, partnership, and viable alternatives to the current state.
“The Goodman Foundation understands this, and their continued backing enables this ambitious, long-term project to drive transformative change.
“We are profoundly grateful for their continued support.”
John Goodman from The Goodman Foundation said Moreton Bay is an extraordinary national treasure, and The Goodman Foundation is committed to its preservation and prosperity for future generations.
“The University of Queensland’s Healthy Moreton Bay initiative is wide ranging in scope,” he said.
“Its scale promises not only to generate vital knowledge but also to raise awareness and influence essential policy. It enhances our capacity to address urgent marine issues, while inspiring a culture of innovation and discovery.
“This initiative is planned to run for at least 10 years, but its impact will drive impact for many years to come.
“We value the strong relationships we’ve built with UQ’s scientists and staff, whose dedication and expertise are world renowned.
“Over the years of our involvement with UQ, its marine science team has consistently delivered on their commitments, earning our deep trust and respect.
“We now invite others to join us in this effort.”
Media: Associate Vice President Advancement, Faculty of Science Brenda Tournier, b.tournier@uq.edu.au, +61 447 537 384; UQ Faculty of Science Media, science.media@uq.edu.au, +61 438 162 687.
