Welcome to Country
We acknowledge and pay respects to the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and we acknowledge all their descendants. We also acknowledge the many Aboriginal people from other regions as well as Torres Strait and South Sea Islander people who now live in the local area and have made an important contribution to the community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognize their enduring connection to the land, sea, and community.
The Queensland Branch of the Australian Coastal Society invites you to the 9th Queensland Coastal Conference, hosted by Mackay Regional Council. The Conference will be held from 2 – 4 June 2027 at Mantra Mackay, QLD.
Welcome from the Conference Co-Chairs
On behalf of the organising committee, we extend an invitation to the 9th Queensland Coastal Conference.
Queensland’s coastline is a remarkable asset, renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. However, it also faces significant challenges, including coastal hazards, competing demand for environmental, recreational, community and commercial uses compounded by the looming impacts of climate change. This conference provides an opportunity for coastal managers from across the country and region to gather and discuss these issues, share knowledge, and explore innovative solutions.
We hope the conference will delve into a wide range of topics, from coastal ecology and geomorphology, engineering and science, to policy and governance. We will hear from leading researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who are at the forefront of coastal management. We will engage in thought-provoking discussions and debates, and we will foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
We encourage you to attend and actively participate in this conference, ask questions, share your insights, and build relationships with your peers. Together, we can work towards a sustainable future to support our coastal lifestyle.
Zoe Elliott-Perkins and Paul Prenzler
(Conference Co-Chairs)
QLD Coastal Conference
The QLD Coastal Conference is a biennial conference organised by the Australian Coastal Society (ACS Ltd). The conference is supported by Mackay Regional Council (hosting Local Government). The conference will include plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, local field trips and networking events.
The Conference provides an opportunity for all governments, researchers, consultants, suppliers and community stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences in coastal and marine science, policy, governance and on-ground planning and management initiatives.
The conference will bring together around 150 delegates from a range of fields including science, engineering, planning, government, community, academia, fisheries, First Nations, innovation and technology.
The Conference theme is Connected Coastlines: Collaboration across QLD. This theme emphasises that effective coastal management is built on collaboration and a shared understanding of coastal values and impacts affecting coastal communities; highlighting the value of collaboration across local and state government, Traditional Owners, industry, researchers, organisations and communities.
Organising Committee
- Zoe Elliott-Perkins, (Co-Chair), City of Gold Coast
- Paul Prenzler, (Co-Chair), Moffatt & Nichol
- Rebecca Allen, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
- Robyn Briskett, Mackay Regional Council
- Dan Garnett, QLD Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
- Daniel Radovic, Reef Catchments
- Pam Wong, Alluvium Consulting
Australian Coastal Society (ACS)
The ACS believes that a healthy and sustainable coastal environment is important for the majority of Australians. In order to achieve this, the ACS attempts to foster coastal stewardship by creating a well-informed independent voice for advice on coastal matters to governments and coastal managers.
Mackay Regional Council
Mackay Regional Council is located on Queensland’s central coast, around 970 km north of Brisbane, and is one of Queensland’s largest regional local governments, serving a population of more than 125,000 people across the city of Mackay and surrounding coastal, rural and hinterland communities. The Council area covers approximately 7,600 square kilometres with approximate 320 kilometres of mainland coastline.
Mackay Regional Council is committed to fostering sustainable growth, supporting local businesses, protecting the natural environment and delivering quality infrastructure and community services. The council is also actively investing in initiatives that enhance liveability, encourage innovation and attract new investment, while balancing economic development with the preservation of the region’s unique coastal and natural assets
The region is renowned for its enviable lifestyle, featuring more than 30 beaches, the nearby Whitsunday coast, Cape Hillsborough National Park, Eungella National Park and the Great Barrier Reef. This combination of natural beauty, modern facilities and a thriving economy makes Mackay an attractive destination for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
Expression of interest
Fill in the expression of interest form to be kept up to date with information on the 9th Queensland Coastal Conference
Key Dates
Call for Abstracts: Open Now
Abstract Submission Deadline:
4 December 2026
Presenter Notification: 5 March 2027
Presenter & Early Registration: 16 April 2027
Conference Dates: 2-4 June 2027
Destination
Mackay is a vibrant coastal city located in northern Queensland, halfway between Brisbane and Cairns. Renowned for its warm tropical climate, relaxed lifestyle and welcoming community, Mackay offers delegates the perfect combination of business and leisure.
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