One of the core missions of the GCS Lab is to integrate research with environmental decision-making. Working closely with stakeholders is a key pathway for us to make a meaningful and lasting impact. A major example of this commitment is one of our ARC Linkage Projects, which brings together private land conservation (PLC) organisations and government agencies across New South Wales and Queensland to explore how we can design more robust and adaptive PLC programs under climate change. The project is led by Professor Jonathan Rhodes with contributions from several GCS Lab members, and is supported by multiple industry partners. Learn more about our research projects here.
Engaging Stakeholders in NSW
In September, members of the research team — Jonathan, Shu, and Fei — attended the Koala Research Plan Biennial Symposium in Sydney, which brought together practitioners and researchers to discuss how science can inform on-ground conservation policy. The timing was particularly relevant with the establishment of the Great Koala National Park in New South Wales, a landmark initiative that highlights the importance of integrating research into conservation planning. Read more about the Great Koala National Park here.
Later that month, the team visited Tweed Shire Council, one of the project’s key partners, to share insights, seek feedback, and co-design strategies on how research findings can better support local conservation planning. These collaborative exchanges are vital for ensuring that the project outcomes directly inform real-world decision-making and management.
Sharing Knowledge at the ALCA 2025 Conference
In October, Jonathan and Shu attened and presented at the 2025 Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA) Conference in Cairns — the largest annual gathering for PLC practitioners in Australia. The event provided an excellent platform to reconnect with collaborators, exchange ideas, and share emerging insights from the project. The team received very positive feedback, further expanding opportunities to collaborate with practitioners interested in applying the research to strengthen conservation practice nationwide.
Integrating Art and Conservation: The “30 x 30: Out of Time” Collaboration
Beyond traditional research pathways, the GCS Lab also explores creative and interdisciplinary approaches to tell conservation stories. As part of her PhD, which investigates communication strategies to engage landholders, Shu Chen has co-developed “30 x 30: Out of Time”, an artistic project created in collaboration with her artist landholder friends. This collaborative arts initiative was launched at the Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT) Spectra Conference, which celebrates creative collaborations across art, science, and technology, showcasing innovative projects that push disciplinary boundaries.
Moving beyond conventional approaches to conservation communication, the project incorporates film captured on nature refuge properties, soundscapes, and live performance to evoke emotional and sensory connections with place. This arts-based initiative exemplifies how creativity can complement science in reimagining human–nature relationships and cultivating a culture of stewardship on private land.
