Community Water Literacy for Unitywater

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Water for People and Nature

Community Water Literacy for Unitywater

The Community Water Literacy for Unitywater project was a collaborative initiative designed to improve community understanding of the water cycle and its impact on the Great Barrier Reef. By integrating social science with local government engagement, the project established baseline levels of water literacy and developed targeted communication strategies to foster more sustainable water use and protection behaviours.

About this project

This project addressed the need for improved “water literacy”—the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours required to manage water sustainably—within the Moreton Bay region. Recognising that local actions directly impact the Great Barrier Reef’s health, the project focused on identifying gaps in community knowledge regarding wastewater, stormwater, and the broader water cycle. It sought to provide Unitywater and Moreton Bay City Council with evidence-based insights to better engage residents in Reef-protective actions.

Our approach

The project team utilised a multi-stage social science methodology, beginning with a comprehensive literature review to define water literacy in a Reef-connected context. We then conducted a large-scale survey of over 1,000 residents to measure current knowledge levels and identify the psychological drivers of stewardship. This data-driven approach allowed for the segmentation of the community into different “steward profiles,” enabling the creation of tailored messaging and engagement tools for specific audience needs.

Goals/key achievements

  • Baseline Establishment: Conducted the first comprehensive water literacy survey in the Moreton Bay region to benchmark community knowledge. 
  • Stewardship Drivers: Identified that emotional connection to the Reef and personal agency are stronger drivers of action than technical knowledge alone.
  • Resource Development: Created a suite of communication factsheets and “Impact Stories” to help local authorities translate complex water data into relatable community narratives.
  • Collaborative Framework: Built a lasting partnership between researchers and water managers to ensure social science insights inform future infrastructure and environmental planning.

Status

Completed.
The project was completed in November 2024. Final outputs, including the community baseline report and the communication toolkit, have been delivered to project partners to guide their ongoing community engagement and Reef protection strategies.

Project Partners

Understanding People and Nature

Research That Makes a Difference

We explore how people connect with the environment from urban green spaces to ocean reefs, and develop strategies to promote conservation stewardship and meaningful engagement with the natural world. Through citizen science, community partnerships, and innovative communication strategies, we’re working to strengthen the connections between people and nature for lasting conservation impact.