/environment/ en /environment/news/list/2025/07/15/100-years-of-the-koonamore-project The Koonamore Project based in The TGB Osborne Vegetation Reserve at Koonamore, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary year this year, and which makes it the oldest long term ecological study in Australia and one of the oldest in the world. The site is a clear demonstration of the capacity of recovery in Australian arid ecosystems, even after extreme degradation. July 15 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/15/100-years-of-the-koonamore-project /environment/news/list/2025/07/09/how-south-australias-algal-bloom-is-threatening-marine-life-and-public-health Environment Institute members have expressed concern over the toxic algal bloom affecting South Australia's coastline. Professor Justin Brookes highlighted that while algae play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, the current Karenia mikimotoi bloom is toxic and spreading rapidly due to warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters. Future Making Fellow Dr Dominic McAfee described the event as an “underwater bushfire,” urging a coordinated response similar to land-based natural disasters. Both experts emphasised the need for continued monitoring and proactive measures to protect marine life and coastal communities. July 09 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/09/how-south-australias-algal-bloom-is-threatening-marine-life-and-public-health /environment/news/list/2025/07/01/fighting-for-cape-yorks-future Dr Ania Kotarba, Future Making Fellow at the Environment Institute, has co-authored a recent piece for The Conversation calling for Cape York to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Drawing on her experience as a former member of the ICOMOS World Heritage Nomination Bids Review Panel, Ania brings deep expertise in cultural heritage and conservation. Her research focuses on partnerships with Aboriginal communities, particularly within the Kaurareg Archipelago, and highlights the importance of meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners in protecting Cape York’s globally significant landscapes. June 24 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/01/fighting-for-cape-yorks-future /environment/news/list/2025/07/02/biodiversity-win-south-australias-new-act-sets-a-national-benchmark-for Future Making Fellow Dr. Philippa McCormack, writing in The Conversation, praised South Australia's new Biodiversity Act as a bold step forward, noting that “nature laws can truly help the environment to flourish even as the climate changes,” while also addressing long-standing gaps between national and state responsibilities. June 20 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/02/biodiversity-win-south-australias-new-act-sets-a-national-benchmark-for /environment/news/list/2025/07/08/what-do-bees-and-bandicoots-have-in-common A surprise discovery of Southern Brown Bandicoots by Dr Jasmin Packer led to the creation of Bandi Bush Care with The Bee Hub. The group works gently to restore native habitat and protect wildlife, blending science, culture, and community care in one of 911������’s busiest parks. June 14 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/07/08/what-do-bees-and-bandicoots-have-in-common /environment/news/list/2025/06/10/queensland-rejects-push-for-stronger-cat-laws-despite-wildlife-impact Professor Phill Cassey spoke to ABC Online about a recent petition in Queensland calling for stricter domestic cat ownership laws, highlighting the devastating impact free-roaming cats have on native Australian wildlife. June 12 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/06/10/queensland-rejects-push-for-stronger-cat-laws-despite-wildlife-impact /environment/news/list/2025/06/10/wildlife-experts-brace-for-the-arrival-of-h5n1-in-australia Professor Wayne Boardman spoke to ABC Online about the looming threat of H5N1 bird flu, warning of its potential to devastate Australian wildlife, including vulnerable sea lion populations. June 11 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/06/10/wildlife-experts-brace-for-the-arrival-of-h5n1-in-australia /environment/news/list/2025/06/10/dr-alice-jones-awarded-the-2025-conservation-science-prize Dr Alice Jones,member of the Environment Institute, has been awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize for her leading role in advancing blue carbon conservation through collaborative, impact-driven research. June 10 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/06/10/dr-alice-jones-awarded-the-2025-conservation-science-prize /environment/news/list/2025/06/04/nest-the-network-for-emerging-sustainability-thinkers Today, on World Environment Day, the Environment Institute is proudly launching NEST - the Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers. NEST is a new network facilitated by the 2025 Future Leaders Committee of the Environment Institute and is tailored for higher-degree and early-career researchers within the University of 911������. June 05 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/06/04/nest-the-network-for-emerging-sustainability-thinkers /environment/news/list/2025/05/28/new-national-data-offers-insight-into-pfas-levels-in-australians Dr Cameron Shearer has commented on a recent announcement by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as they have shared new data of a voluntary survey conducted by the ABS’ National Health Measures on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels. The new data  creates a baseline of PFAS levels in Australians, that can support deeper research into the possible harm the chemicals can cause. May 30 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/05/28/new-national-data-offers-insight-into-pfas-levels-in-australians