Short Presentation Australian Marine Sciences Association 2026 Conference

Integrating Behavioural Insights into Reef Catchment Decision Making (139271)

Meg Bickle 1 , Tracy Schultz 2 , Katerina Kanakis 1 , Robyn Gulliver 2 , Yasmin Heather 1
  1. Queensland Government, Brisbane, QUEENSLAND, Australia
  2. School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

The Paddock to Reef Human Dimensions program collects vital data on the social and behavioural factors shaping land management practices in Reef catchments, which directly influence water quality and the health of the Great Barrier Reef. Despite its importance, the accessibility and usability of this data remain limited, limiting its potential to inform decision-making and drive behaviour change.

Through the Reef Catchments Science Partnership, this project addresses these challenges by developing an interactive PowerBI dashboard to visualise Human Dimensions program data. The dashboard integrates behavioural insights with key metrics, providing policy and decision makers with an intuitive tool to better understand catchment management behaviours. By presenting data in a user-friendly format, the dashboard supports reflection and action—enabling users to evaluate past efforts, identify behavioural drivers, and plan targeted interventions for sustainable land management.

This initiative demonstrates the critical role of behavioural science in promoting environmental stewardship. By making data more accessible and actionable, the project empowers users to make evidence-based decisions that enhance water quality and protect the Reef. It also highlights the value of interdisciplinary approaches in connecting human dimensions to Reef management, fostering a shared vision for a resilient future.