Potential activities in CoastRI align with three major categories:
- Observing coastal processes
- Cross-sector modelling and prediction
- Data identification, management, and integration
The program of work is intended to include marine, estuarine, terrestrial, subsurface, modelling and analytical elements culminating in a step-change in our understanding of coastal conditions and support risk management strategies.
CoastRI will be established via a two-stage approach.
Stage 1
Stage 1 included a number of elements which were funded in the 2023 NCRIS funding round including:
A nationwide consultation process to explore research, stakeholder, and end-user coastal data needs, impact pathways, First Nations co-design program partners, program governance and synthesis, and co-investment opportunities. The consultation is managed by IMOS, with engagement from all participating NCRIS capabilities. The consultation process is ongoing and will involve stakeholders across the entire coastal observation value chain. In addition to the analysis of end-user needs, scientific meetings will be held to explore how the identified needs can be met and how benefits can be created at regional and national scales.
A suite of initial, multi-year investments (2023-2027) to establish the initiative and demonstrate the scope and intent of CoastRI, as well as to help leverage and attract capability and co-investment. These investments include observing, data collection, data management, and modelling activities that are known gaps identified from previous consultation.
Stage 2
CoastRI Stage 2 investment
In May 2026, CoastRI received $58 million in Australian Government investment to strengthen Australia’s coastal monitoring capability through a nationally coordinated network of sensors and drones, providing real-time data to better understand changing coastlines and support informed decision-making.
Delivered through 13 NCRIS partners, Stage 2 builds on the foundations established through Stage 1 and strengthens national integration across coastal science and observing.
Next steps
Implementation is now underway. A series of technical workshops with CoastRI partners and key stakeholders has been completed to refine priorities, identify activities and equipment, and develop priority locations for investment. Work is now progressing to consolidate these outcomes, confirm deployment plans, and identify opportunities for co-investment and co-delivery.
Components of CoastRI
